From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Spence \Spence\, n. [OF. despense, F. d['e]pense, buffet,
buttery, fr. OF. despendre to spend, distribute, L.
dispendere, dispensum. See Dispense, Spend.]
1. A place where provisions are kept; a buttery; a larder; a
pantry.
[1913 Webster]
In . . . his spence, or "pantry" were hung the
carcasses of a sheep or ewe, and two cows lately
slaughtered. --Sir W.
Scott.
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Bluff Harry broke into the spence,
And turned the cowls adrift. --Tennyson.
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2. The inner apartment of a country house; also, the place
where the family sit and eat. [Scot.] --Jamieson.
[1913 Webster]