Spin"et (?), 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.

Spi"net (?), n. [L. spinetum. See Spinny.] A spinny. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Spin"et (?), 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.

Spi"net (?), n. [L. spinetum. See Spinny.] A spinny. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

• (music) A short, compact, upright piano.