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