English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)
"Spencer argued that society evolves through a process similar to biological evolution."
A short double-breasted men's overcoat worn in the 18th and 19th centuries.
"The new spencer was tasked with polishing the silver and serving ale to the guests in the buttery."
One who works in a spence or buttery.
In plain English: A spencer is an old-fashioned short jacket that was popular for women to wear over their dresses during the 19th century.
"The spencer coat is perfect for wearing in cool weather during spring and fall."
Usage: The term refers to either an historical garment from the 18th and 19th centuries or, less commonly, a worker in a pantry; it is not used for modern clothing styles. Use this word only when discussing specific fashion history or literary settings involving old-fashioned attire.
An English occupational surname, from occupations​.
"The genealogist traced the Spencer family name back to an ancestor who worked as a shepherd in rural England centuries ago."
The surname Spencer comes from the Middle English word for a person who managed a pantry or acted as a steward. It originally described an individual working in a storage room known as a spence before becoming a fixed family name.