Dispense \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dispense \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dispense \Dis*pense"\, n. [Cf. F. dispense dispensation. See Dispense, v. t.]

Dispensation; exemption. [Obs.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dispense \Dis*pense"\, n. [OF. despense, F. d['e]pense.]

Expense; profusion; outlay. [Obs.]

It was a vault built for great dispense. --Spenser.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)