Webster's English Dictionary

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dispense

Cross references:
  1. distribute            
 
dis.pense \dis-'pen(t)s\ vb [ME dispensen, fr. ML & L; ML dispensare to 
   grant dispensation, fr.] L, to distribute, fr. dispensus, pp. of dispendere 
   to weigh out, fr. dis- + pendere to weigh 1a: to deal out in portions  1b: 
   ADMINISTER {~ justice}  2: to give dispensation to : EXEMPT  3: to prepare 
   and distribute (medicines)  archaic  : to grant dispensation  1: to suspend 
   the operation of  2: to do without  - dispense with