Dispense — Defs

01 v. t. To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature dispenses her bounties; …

imp. & p. p. Dispensed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dispensing

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.

02 v. i. To compensate; to make up; to make amends.

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. )

Phrases & compounds

To dispense with — 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

03 n. Dispensation; exemption.

1.
Dispensation; exemption.[Obs.]

04 n. Expense; profusion; outlay.

1.
Expense; profusion; outlay.[Obs.]
“It was a vault built for great dispense.” — Spenser.