Spēnçe, n.

n. [O. Fr. dispense, N. Fr. dépense, buffet, buttery, from O. Fr. despendre, to spend, distribute, Lat. dispendere, dispensum. See DISPENSE.] A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a pantry.

In one large aperture, . . . called his spence, or “pantry,” were hung the carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately slaughtered. W. Scott.

Bluff Harry broke into the spence, And turned the cows adrift. Tennyson.