dispense Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb administer or bestow, as in small portions
    dish out; deal; parcel out; distribute; dole out; administer; allot; lot; deal out; mete out; shell out.
    • administer critical remarks to everyone present
    • dole out some money
    • shell out pocket money for the children
    • deal a blow to someone
    • the machine dispenses soft drinks
  2. verb grant a dispensation; grant an exemption
    • I was dispensed from this terrible task
  3. verb give or apply (medications)
    administer.

WordNet


Dis*pense" transitive verb
Etymology
F. dispenser, L. dispensare, intens. of dispendere. See Dispend.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Dispensed ; present participle & verbal noun Dispensing
Definitions
  1. To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature dispenses her bounties; to dispense medicines.
    He is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the company. Sir W. Scott.
  2. To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.
    While you dispense the laws, and guide the state. Dryden.
  3. To pay for; to atone for. Obs.
    His sin was dispensed With gold, whereof it was compensed. Gower.
  4. To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; -- with from.
    It was resolved that all members of the House who held commissions, should be dispensed from parliamentary attendance. Macaulay.
    He appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself. Johnson.
Dis*pense" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To compensate; to make up; to make amends. Obs.
    One loving hour For many years of sorrow can dispense. Spenser.
  2. To give dispensation.
    He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law. Addis & Arnold (Cath. Dict. )
    Richardson.
Dis*pense" noun
Etymology
Cf. F. dispense dispensation. See Dispense, v. t.
Definitions
  1. Dispensation; exemption. Obs.
Dis*pense" noun
Etymology
OF. despense, F. dépense.
Definitions
  1. Expense; profusion; outlay. Obs.
    It was a vault built for great dispense. Spenser.

Webster 1913