spinet Hear it!

spinet definition

spinet (spin′it, spi net′)

noun

  1. an early, small variety of harpsichord with a single keyboard
    1. a small upright piano of relatively low height
    2. a small electronic organ of similar design

Etymology: MFr espinete < It spinetta, said to be after its alleged inventor, G. Spinetti, but prob. < spina, thorn (< L, spine): so named from the pointed quills used to strike the strings

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.