Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dispense
Dis-pense′
,Verb.
T.
[
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
With gold, whereof it was compensed.
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.
Dis-pense′
,Verb.
I.
1.
To compensate; to make up; to make amends.
[Obs.]
One loving hour
For many years of sorrow can
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. )
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.
Dis-pense′
,Noun.
Dispensation; exemption.
[Obs.]
Dis-pense′
,Noun.
[OF.
despense
, F. dépense
.] Expense; profusion; outlay.
[Obs.]
It was a vault built for great
dispense
. Spenser.
Webster 1828 Edition
Dispense
DISPENSE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To deal or divide out in parts or portions; to distribute. The steward dispenses provisions to every man, according to his directions. The society dispenses medicines to the poor gratuitously or at first cost. God dispenses his favors according to his good pleasure.2.
To administer; to apply, as laws to particular cases; to distribute justice.While you dispense the laws and guide the state.
To dispense with,
1.
To permit not to take effect; to neglect or pass by; to suspend the operation or application of something required, established or customary; as, to dispense with the law, in favor of a friend; I cannot dispense with the conditions of the covenant. So we say, to dispense with oaths; to dispense with forms and ceremonies.2.
To excuse from; to give leave not to do or observe what is required or commanded. The court will dispense with your attendance, or with you compliance.3.
To permit the want of a thing which is useful or convenient; or in the vulgar phrase, to do without. I can dispense with your services. I can dispense with my cloke. In this application, the phrase has an allusion to the requisitions of law or necessity; the thing dispensed with being supposed, in some degree, necessary or required.I could not dispense with myself from making a voyage to Caprea. [Not to be imitated.]
Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath? [Not legitimate.]
DISPENSE
,Noun.
1.
Dispensation. [Not used.]2.
Expense; profusion. [Not in use.]