dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌspen-

1

a

: a general state or ordering of things

specifically : a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs

a privilege maintained under the new dispensation

b

: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature

involving special dispensation by the Church

2

a

: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath

may be granted a dispensation from the rule

b

: a formal authorization

requested a dispensation to form another lodge

3

a

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medication

b

: something dispensed or distributed

… one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country's history, the paperback book.

—T. E. Cooney

dispensational

ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shnəl 

-ˌspen-

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• admeasurement
• allocation
• allotment
• apportionment
• disbursement
• distribution
• division
• issuance

Examples of dispensation in a Sentence

The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.

The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.

Recent Examples on the Web

This dispensation dates back to David Ben-Gurion, the country’s first prime minister. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2024

And grandparents get special dispensation — especially since the infraction(s) were directed at you. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dispense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌpen-

1

a

: a system of rules for ordering affairs

b

: a particular arrangement especially of nature

2

: release from a rule or from a vow or oath

3

a

: the act of dispensing

b

: something dispensed or distributed

dispensational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen- 

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medicines