Main Entry: dis·pense

Pronunciation: \di-ˈspen(t)s\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): dis·pensed; dis·pens·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin dispensare to exempt, from Latin, to distribute, from dis- + pensare to weigh, frequentative of pendere to weigh, pay out — more at spin

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to deal out in portions b : administer <dispense justice>
2 : to give dispensation to : exempt
3 : to prepare and distribute (medication)intransitive verb archaic : to grant dispensation

synonyms see distribute

— dispense with 1 : to set aside : discard <dispensing with the usual introduction>
2 : to do without <could dispense with such a large staff>