Word Direct Answers

What does "dispense" mean?

Dispense: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To pay for; to atone for. [Obs.] His sin was dispensed With gold, whereof it was compensed. Gower.
  2. 3.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.
  3. 4.To compensate; to make up; to make amends. [Obs.] One loving hour For many years of sorrow can dispense. Spenser.
  4. 5.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.
  5. 6.Dispensation; exemption. [Obs.]
  6. 7.Expense; profusion; outlay. [Obs.] It was a vault built for great dispense. Spenser.

Sources