dispense Meaning, Definition & Usage

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
verb grant a dispensation; grant an exemption
- I was dispensed from this terrible task
verb give or apply (medications)
administer.

F. dispenser, L. dispensare, intens. of dispendere. See Dispend.

imperfect & past participle Dispensed ; present participle & verbal noun Dispensing

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.
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.
To pay for; to atone for. Obs.
His sin was dispensed With gold, whereof it was compensed. Gower.
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.

To compensate; to make up; to make amends. Obs.
One loving hour For many years of sorrow can dispense. Spenser.
To give dispensation.
He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law. Addis & Arnold (Cath. Dict. )
Richardson.

Cf. F. dispense dispensation. See Dispense, v. t.

OF. despense, F. dépense.

Expense; profusion; outlay. Obs.
It was a vault built for great dispense. Spenser.