dispensation

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

Updated on: 10 May 2018

Definition of dispensation

1 a : a general state or ordering of things; specifically : a system of revealed (see ¹reveal 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

play \-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See dispensation defined for English-language learners

See dispensation defined for kids

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 of dispensation from the Web

Last year, Blair granted a dispensation for St. Patrick's Day, which fell on a regular Friday during Lent, when Catholics are only asked to abstain from eating meat.

— jordan otero sisson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "No Valentine's Day exception On Ash Wednesday," 13 Feb. 2018
Part of the reason this party was such a hit was because of the special St. Patrick’s Day alcohol dispensation.

— elizabeth wellington, Philly.com, "Why my black family celebrates St. Patrick's Day | Elizabeth Wellington," 19 Mar. 2018
The key conflict in the piece is between Becker and his son, Booster (Ronald L. Conner), who has just been released from the penitentiary and is seeking absolution from a father whose pride prevents its dispensation.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "In Wilson's 'Jitney,' car services and family rivalry: Is this the '70s or the present?," 9 Jan. 2018
By asking preemptively for regulatory dispensation, Sidewalk is making clear that the Toronto city government may not know enough to regulate its own fate, at least not right now.

— molly sauter, The Atlantic, "Google’s Guinea-Pig City," 13 Feb. 2018
Rabbi Avraham Friedman, of Chabad of Coral Springs, comforted and assisted grieving relatives, and gave special dispensation for autopsies, which ordinarily are prohibited in the Jewish faith.

— michael mayo, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Family of shooting victims, clergy gather outside Broward Medical Examiner's Office," 15 Feb. 2018
The Archdiocese has given dispensation to Catholics in the past when St. Patrick's Day has overlapped with a Lenten Friday.

— matt mccall, Lake County News-Sun, "Restaurants prepare for confluence of meatless Ash Wednesday and indulgent Valentine's Day," 13 Feb. 2018
And, for any athletes from Russia who manage to get special dispensation to participate as neutral athletes in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, what will the textile specifications be for their uniforms?

— victor mather, New York Times, "Olympic Officials Issue Strict Crackdown on Tricolor (of Russia)," 20 Dec. 2017
They were given dispensation as Hawkins, 85, is in the final stages of her battle against ovarian cancer.

— Time, "Two Couples Have Exchanged Vows in Australia's First Same-Sex Weddings," 19 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dispensation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.