1
a(1)
: a grant of government funds to the unemployed
had been on the dole for a year
(2)
: a giving or distribution of food, money, or clothing to the needy
b
: something distributed at intervals to the needy
also
: handout sense 1
c
: something portioned out bit by bit
2
archaic
: one's allotted share, portion, or destiny
doled; doling
: to give or distribute as a charity
—usually used with out
dole out food to needy families
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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