Dole \Dole\, n. [AS. d[=a]l portion; same word as d?l. See Deal.]

1. Distribution; dealing; apportionment.

At her general dole, Each receives his ancient soul. -- Cleveland.

2. That which is dealt out; a part, share, or portion also, a scanty share or allowance.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dole \Dole\, n. [OE. deol, doel, dol, OF. doel, fr. doloir to suffer, fr. L. dolere; perh. akin to dolare to hew.]

grief; sorrow; lamentation. [Archaic]

And she died. So that day there was dole in Astolat. -- Tennyson.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dole \Dole\, n. [L. dolus: cf. F. dol.]

(Scots Law) See Dolus.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dole \Dole\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Doled; p. pr. & vb. n. Doling.]

To deal out in small portions; to distribute, as a dole; to deal out scantily or grudgingly.

The supercilious condescension with which even his reputed friends doled out their praises to him. --De Quincey.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)