/
spɪˈnɛt,
ˈspɪnɪt/
n.
- a small harpsichord with the strings set obliquely to the keyboard, popular in the 18th century.
- US a type of small upright piano.
Etymology
C17: shortening of obs. Fr. espinette, from Ital. spinetta ‘virginal, spinet’, dimin. of spina (see spine), the strings being plucked by quills.
