Spencer

Spen·cer  (spnsr), Herbert 1820-1903.

British philosopher who attempted to apply the theory of evolution to philosophy and ethics in his series Synthetic Philosophy (1855-1893).

---

spen·cer ¹  (spnsr)

n. Nautical

A trysail.

---

[Perhaps from the name Spencer.]

---

spen·cer ²  (spnsr)

n.

1. A short double-breasted overcoat worn by men in the early 19th century.

2. A close-fitting, waist-length jacket worn by women.

---

[After George John Spencer, Second Earl Spencer (1758-1834).]

---

Spencer [ˈspɛnsə]

n

1. (Biographies / Spencer, Herbert (1820-1903) M, English, PHILOSOPHY: philosopher) Herbert. 1820-1903, English philosopher, who applied evolutionary theory to the study of society, favouring laissez-faire doctrines

2. (Biographies / Spencer, Sir Stanley (1891-1959) M, English, ARTS AND CRAFTS: painter) Sir Stanley. 1891-1959, English painter, noted esp for his paintings of Christ in a contemporary English setting

---

spencer¹

n

1. (Clothing & Fashion) a short fitted coat or jacket

2. (Clothing & Fashion) a woman's knitted vest

[named after Earl Spencer (1758-1834)]

---

spencer²

n

(Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical a large loose-footed gaffsail on a square-rigger or barque

[perhaps after the surname Spencer]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Spencer - English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903) Herbert Spencer