Dispense, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dispensed; p. pr. & vb. n. Dispensing.]
Etymology: [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.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Dispense, 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.
Dispense, n.
Dispensation; exemption. [Obs.]
Dispense, n.
Expense; profusion; outlay. [Obs.] It was a vault built for great dispense. Spenser.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for dispense; he lists it under apportion.
Where he writes about it:
To dispense is to give out freely; as, the sun dispenses light and heat. — from apportion
From signifying to superintend officially some application or infliction, administer passes by a natural transition to signify inflict, mete out, dispense, and blows, medicine, etc., are said to be administered: a usage thoroughly established and reputable in spite of pedantic objections. — from execute