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.
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.Dis*pense", v. i. 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.
)
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", n. [Cf. F. dispense
dispensation. See Dispense, v. t.]
Dispensation; exemption. [Obs.]
Dis*pense", n. [OF. despense, F.
dépense.] Expense; profusion; outlay.
[Obs.]
It was a vault built for great
dispense.
Spenser.