n. [ OF. despense, F. dépense. ] Expense; profusion; outlay. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

It was a vault built for great dispense. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

He is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the company. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct. [ 1913 Webster ]

While you dispense the laws, and guide the state. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To pay for; to atone for. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

His sin was dispensed
With gold, whereof it was compensed. Gower. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; -- with from. [ 1913 Webster ]

It was resolved that all members of the House who held commissions, should be dispensed from parliamentary attendance. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

He appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To compensate; to make up; to make amends. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

One loving hour
For many years of sorrow can dispense. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To give dispensation. [ 1913 Webster ]

He [ the pope ] can also dispense in all matters of ecclesiastical law. Addis & Arnold (Cath. Dict. ) [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. dispense dispensation. See Dispense, v. t. ] Dispensation; exemption. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. distributed or weighed out in carefully determined portions; as, medicines dispensed to the sick. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. One who, or that which, dispenses; a distributer; as, a dispenser of favors. [ 1913 Webster ]