n. [ OF. espinete, F. épinette (cf. It. spinetta), fr. L. spina a thorn; -- so called because its quills resemble thorns. See Spine. ] (Mus.) A keyed instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but smaller, with one string of brass or steel wire to each note, sounded by means of leather or quill plectrums or jacks. It was formerly much used. [ 1913 Webster ]
Dumb spinet. (Mus.)
n. [ L. spinetum. See Spinny. ] A spinny. [ Obs. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Zool.)
a. Slit; cleft. [ Obs. & R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]