n. [ AS. dāl portion; same word as d&aemacr_;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 ]
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