dole bread

1 definition found

dole bread - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dole \Dole\, n. [AS. d[=a]l portion; same word as d[=ae]l. See
     Deal.]
     1. Distribution; dealing; apportionment.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              At her general dole,
              Each receives his ancient soul.       -- Cleveland.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. That which is dealt out; a part, share, or portion also, a
        scanty share or allowance.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Alms; charitable gratuity or portion.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              So sure the dole, so ready at their call,
              They stood prepared to see the manna fall. --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Heaven has in store a precious dole.  --Keble.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A boundary; a landmark. --Halliwell.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. A void space left in tillage. --[Prov. Eng.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Dole beer, beer bestowed as alms. [Obs.]
  
     Dole bread, bread bestowed as alms. [Obs.]
  
     Dole meadow, a meadow in which several persons have a
        common right or share.
  
     on the dole, receiving financial assistance from a
        governmental agency, such as a welfare agency; as, after
        his unemployment benefits ran out, his family was on the
        dole for a year.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]