Also 6 spys box. [SPICE sb.]
1. A box, usually having several compartments, to keep spices in.
1527. Test. Ebor. (Surtees), V. 244. Le spicebox de every.
1533–4. Rutland MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.), IV. 348. j spys box with a little spone to the same.
a. 1625. Fletcher, Bloody Brother, II. ii. Here stands a bak’d meat, he wants a little seasoning;… my Spice-box, Gentlemen.
1858. Simmonds, Dict. Trade, Spice-box, a kitchen-box with several divisions for holding different spices.
1874. H. H. Cole, Catal. Ind. Art S. Kens. Mus., App. 288. Centre Piece, silver, consisting of a plateau fitted with spice boxes and receptacles for flowers.
2. A small decorated box, usually of Oriental workmanship.
1880. Birdwood, Ind. Arts, I. 160. Small boxes of very graceful form, covered with the most delicate tracery, and known to Europeans as spice boxes.
