The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            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.
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