GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

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