'Dispense' definitions:

Definition of 'dispense'

(from WordNet)
verb
Administer or bestow, as in small portions; "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" [syn: distribute, administer, mete out, deal, parcel out, lot, dispense, shell out, deal out, dish out, allot, dole out]
verb
Grant a dispensation; grant an exemption; "I was dispensed from this terrible task"
verb
Give or apply (medications) [syn: administer, dispense]

Definition of 'Dispense'

From: GCIDE
  • Dispense \Dis*pense"\, n. [Cf. F. dispense dispensation. See Dispense, v. t.] Dispensation; exemption. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Dispense'

From: GCIDE
  • Dispense \Dis*pense"\, n. [OF. despense, F. d['e]pense.] Expense; profusion; outlay. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • It was a vault built for great dispense. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Dispense'

From: GCIDE
  • Dispense \Dis*pense"\, v. i.
  • 1. To compensate; to make up; to make amends. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • One loving hour For many years of sorrow can dispense. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To give dispensation. [1913 Webster]
  • He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law. --Addis & Arnold (Cath. Dict. ) [1913 Webster]
  • To dispense with. (a) To permit the neglect or omission of, as a form, a ceremony, an oath; to suspend the operation of, as a law; to give up, release, or do without, as services, attention, etc.; to forego; to part with. (b) To allow by dispensation; to excuse; to exempt; to grant dispensation to or for. [Obs.] "Conniving and dispensing with open and common adultery." --Milton. (c) To break or go back from, as one's word. [Obs.] --Richardson. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Dispense'

From: GCIDE
  • Dispense \Dis*pense"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dispensed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dispensing.] [F. dispenser, L. dispensare, intens. of dispendere. See Dispend.]
  • 1. To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature dispenses her bounties; to dispense medicines. [1913 Webster]
  • He is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the company. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct. [1913 Webster]
  • While you dispense the laws, and guide the state. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To pay for; to atone for. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • His sin was dispensed With gold, whereof it was compensed. --Gower. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; -- with from. [1913 Webster]
  • It was resolved that all members of the House who held commissions, should be dispensed from parliamentary attendance. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • He appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself. --Johnson. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'dispense'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Dispense'