'Dumb spinet' definitions:

Definition of 'Dumb spinet'

From: GCIDE
  • Spinet \Spin"et\, n. [OF. espinete, F. ['e]pinette (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. [1913 Webster]
  • Dumb spinet. (Mus.) See Manichordon. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'dumb spinet'

From: GCIDE
  • Manichord \Man"i*chord\, Manichordon \Man`i*chor"don\, [L. monochordon, Gr. ?; -- so called because it orig. had only one string. See Monochord.] (Mus.) The clavichord or clarichord; -- called also dumb spinet. [1913 Webster]