dispensen.¹

Forms: Middle English (1600s) despens(e, Middle English–1700s dispense, Middle English–1600s dis-, Middle English1500s dyspence.

Etymology: In I., < Old French despense act of spending, < late Latin dispensa , noun from past participle of dispendĕre to dispend v.; probably blending with Old French despens < Latin dispensum that which is expended. In II. probably an English derivative of the verb in the cognate sense.Previous versions of the OED give the stress as: diˈspense.

I. Senses relating to expenditure.

†1. Obsolete.

a. The act of spending, expenditure.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > [noun]

spendingc1000

spening1297

dispensec1320

costc1325

dispendingc1340

dispensationa1387

expense1393

depance1450

waringc1480

spensea1538

bestowing?1542

expending1545

defrayment1547

dispensing1548

disbursing1564

disbursal1589

debursing1598

disbursementa1599

disburse1608

depursement1636

debursement1650

dispension1658

spenda1688

disbursage1721

finances1730

expenditure1769

outlay1798

dispenditure1857

c1320 Seuyn Sag. (W.) 330 Your travail and your despens.

1340 Ayenbite (1866) 21 Huanne he deþ to moche despense oþer of his oȝen oþer of oþre manne.

c1400 Rom. Rose 1141 Alle his purpos..Was for to make gret dispense.

c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 443 He was but esy of dispence.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxix. 283 Huon gaue hym..money for his dyspence.

1613 William I in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) III. 154 With great dispence, both of their estates and blood.

1664 S. Pepys Diary 7 Sept. (1971) IV. 265 [They] are not sufficient to supply our dispense if a warr comes.

b. plural. Expenses, charges, costs.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > [noun] > expenses

costningc1275

spense1297

costagesa1325

misesa1325

spenses1377

dispensec1380

expensesc1384

pensiona1387

costsc1390

resaillec1450

chargec1460

charges1514

outgiving1556

disbursement1607

going-outs1607

defalcation1622

outgoing1622

expense1632

outgoa1641

damage1755

outset1755

expenditure1791

outspend1859

ex1864

paid-out1883

outs1884

x's1894

c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. I. 20 Costlewe housis and greet dispensis.

1416 Comp. Subs. in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) I. 232 The somme..in clere, without colectours dispencis.

c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) v. 119 Thai most serue hym..at thair owne dispenses.

1718 J. Byrom Let. 3 Jan. in Private Jrnl. & Lit. Remains (1854) I. i. 36 With these and other dispenses..I am just as I was before I drew upon you last.

c. Means of meeting expenditure, money to spend or use; means of support; supplies.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > money > funds or pecuniary resources > [noun] > set apart for a purpose > spending- or pocket-money

spending-silver1377

dispense1382

dispending1487

spending-money1598

pocket money1625

pin money1702

pocket allowance1726

Saturday pennya1854

spense1886

spend1970

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Chron. xxii. 5 Beforn his death he made redy alle the dispensis.

c1430 Hymns Virg. 63 Wraþþe haþ no Conscience, He makiþ ech man oþeris foo; Þer~with he getiþ his dispence.

a1510 G. Douglas King Hart ii. 443 Thai wantit thame dispence, Ewill purvayit folk.

1652 F. Kirkman tr. A. Du Périer Loves Clerio & Lozia 123 Which might furnish me with so many amorous dispences as these..beauties make by their so long sojourn at my heart.

†2. The act of dispensing or bestowing liberally. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > liberal giving > [noun]

custeOE

largessea1393

largitionc1475

lavish1483

enlarginga1513

effusion1514

erogation1531

dispense1590

profusion1590

Maundy1595

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. xii. sig. Aa4^v Whateuer..Is sweete..Was poured forth with plentifull dispence.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. xi. sig. X8 Dealing his dreadfull blowes with large dispence .

†a. A place where provisions are kept; a store-room, pantry, or cellar; = spence n.¹ [ < French despence, a larder, storehouse, gardemanger (Cotgrave)] Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > place for storing food > [noun]

cellar?c1225

larderc1305

pantrya1325

butleryc1325

spencec1386

larder-house1390

aumbrya1398

lardinera1400

meatfettle1440

spinde1481

selyer1483

pantyr?a1500

vault1500

eschansonnery1514

lardrya1552

lard-house1555

coveyc1593

brine-house1594

dispense1622

reservatory1647

provedore1694

ice cellar1735

spring house1755

provision house1787

futtah1834

pataka1842

1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue i. 237 He went to the Dispense for wine.

1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 348 In a little Dispense, or Pantrie.

1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 351.

b. In full dispense bar. A bar in a club or hotel for the use of staff.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tap-room or bar > in club, hotel, or theatre

the Shades1823

the nineteenth hole1901

dispense1934

nineteenth1948

crush bar1954

1934 ‘C. L. Anthony’ Touch Wood i. 27 A bar! They called it the dispense bar.

1961 Daily Tel. 7 Apr. 25 At the club..no intoxicating drinks were to be supplied after 2 a.m., when the bar and dispense were closed.

II. In ecclesiastical use.

†4. = dispensation n. 8. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > church government > ecclesiastical authority > [noun] > ordinance of > dispensation

dispensationc1380

dispension1483

dispense1490

spensation1618

indulgencea1680

1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xii. 46 [Elysse] leuynge by dyspense abstractyue her first vowes of chastyte promysed.

1578 Gude & G. Ball., Huntis vp 153 That cruell beist, he neuer ceist..Under dispens to get our penneis Our saulis to deuoir.

1631 T. Heywood Fair Maid of West: 2nd Pt. v. sig. K3^v My honesty, faith, and Religion are all ingag'd, ther's no dispence for them.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 492 Indulgences, Dispenses, Pardons, Bulls.

1777 W. Dalrymple Trav. Spain & Portugal cxi It is necessary for every knight who [marries] to get a dispense for his vow.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online December 2021).

dispensev.

/dɪˈspɛns/

Forms: Also Middle English–1500s des-, Middle English–1500s dys-; Middle English–1700s dispence.

Etymology: Middle English < Old French de- , dispenser (13th cent. in Hatzfeld & Darmesteter) = Provençal despensar , Spanish despensar , Italian dispensare , < Latin dispensāre (frequentative of dispendĕre to dispend v.: compare pensāre to weigh out); in classical Latin to distribute by weight, to weigh out, disburse; to administer as steward, to dispose, arrange; in medieval Latin to arrange or deal administratively with a person in reference to the requirements of an ecclesiastical canon or law.

I. from Latin dispensāre in classical senses.

a. transitive. To mete out, deal out, distribute; to bestow in portions or from a general stock.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > distributing or dealing out > distribute or deal out [verb (transitive)]

britteneOE

to-dealeOE

dealOE

britOE

setc1275

dispensec1374

dispendc1375

to-seta1387

dispone1429

disposec1430

sparple1435

demean1439

distributea1464

distribue1477

issuec1484

communy1530

to deal out1535

impart1545

disperse1555

retail1576

digest1578

deliver1626

to hand out1648

to dispose of1676

dispensate1701

dole1701

to give out1710

sling1860

to give away1889

to pass out1926

dish1934

c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) v. pr. vi. 139 Despensynge and ordeynynge Meedes to goode men, and torment to wykked men.

c1420 Pallad. on Husb. i. 172 Abundaunt wyne the north wynde wol dispence To vynes sette agayne his influence.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Hviii^v Some we must vse, dispence and expende and truly distribute.

1599 H. Buttes Dyets Dry Dinner sig. Aa2 I assume the Carvers office: and..dispense to every of my Guests according to the Season, his Age and Constitution.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 157 Now gentle gales..dispense Native perfumes.

1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 39 He might dispense favours, and disfavours according to his own election.

1742 N. Dubois & G. Leoni tr. A. Palladio Treat. Fires in tr. A. Palladio Architecture (ed. 3) II. 99 Those Pipes which dispens'd the Heat.

1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 212 Though nature weigh our talents, and dispense To ev'ry man his modicum of sense.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 81 Several commissioners..had been appointed to dispense the public alms.

†b. To spend (time, talents): both in the sense of expending profitably and of wasting. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > use for specific purpose > specifically an immaterial thing

beteec1175

spenec1200

beseta1240

dispenda1400

spenda1400

expendc1440

incline?a1475

expone1527

adhibit?1538

depend1607

dispense?1624

lend1697

?1624 G. Chapman tr. Βατραχομυομαχια in tr. Crowne Homers Wks. 13 Who with his wreake dispenst No point of Tyme.

1638 F. Rous Heavenly Acad. x. 174 As everie man hath received the gift, so let him exercise and dispence it.

a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Richard II cccxxviii, in Poems (1878) III. 219 Affliction Is the best Mistresse to dispence our Time.

a. To administer (e.g. a sacrament, justice, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > execute (justice, vengeance, etc.)

takec1300

dispensea1398

minister1426

administer1443

ministrate1496

execute1530

distributea1616

administrate1649

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ii. ii. 63 [Angels] dispensith þinges þat beþ aboute vs.

1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 46 The sacrament that we han to dispensen off penaunce to the peple.

1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 65 It is nocht ye office of euerie man..to consecrat, dispens, and minister ye sacraments.

c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) iv. 1517 You, which should true equity dispense.

1634 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. Hist. New Test. (STC 12640.7) i. 371 That power..is dispensed, and executed by some prime Ministers.

1678 R. Cudworth tr. Plato in True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iii. 110 Shall we say..that this whole Universe is dispensed ond [sic] ordered, by a mere Irrational..and Fortuitous Principle?

1894 Law Times 387/2 Sir Richard Malins..dispensed a home-brewed equity of his own.

b. absol.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (intransitive)]

dightc1275

dispensec1374

performa1382

to go througha1460

voyagec1500

to do one's do1650

to put down1943

c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) iv. pr. vi. 109 In the which thing I trowe þat god dispensith.

a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 106 Lest hee should not dispense, and governe well.

3. Medicine. To make up (medicine) according to a prescribed formula; to put up (a prescription).

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > pharmacy > practise pharmaceutically [verb (transitive)] > dispense

dispense1541

fill1891

1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) A iij Some [physitions] were not diligent inough in beholdynge their drouges or ingredience at all tymes dispensid and tried.

1628 J. Woodall Viaticum 18 I dispense, and administer all by Haberdepoys weight.

1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. iii. 274 That..the apothecary dispense his recipes properly.

1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 594 Swallow the two grand nostrums they dispense—That Scripture lies, and blasphemy is sense.

1883 New Sydenham Soc. Lexicon at Dispensary The place where medicines are prepared and given out, or dispensed.

II. from medieval Latin dispensāre in ecclesiastical use. [In later medieval Latin (by 1200 or earlier) dispensāre was used absolutely or intransitively (= agere dispensatorie or dispensative ), in the sense ‘to make an arrangement in the character of a steward (οἰκονόμος ), administrator, or manager, to deal administratively,’ especially in reference to the practical application of a law or rule to a particular case; first, apparently, in the way of relaxing a punishment or penance, which, according to strict law, had been already incurred, but in the particular case ought to be remitted for special reasons; thence, in the remission of a punishment not yet incurred, which amounted in fact to a licence to break the legal rule; and thus, in the general sense of granting relaxation, exemption, indulgence, etc. The chief constructions were dispensare in tali casu , circa jus , circa aliquem or aliquid , and especially cum aliquo (ut possit ), etc. (to dispense in such a case, in reference to a certain law, or a certain person or matter, with a person that he may do something, etc.). (Prof. F. W. Maitland, LL.D.)

These intransitive uses passed into English, especially dispense with , which became a combined verbal phrase, with indirect passive, to be dispensed with , and has had a wide development of sense: see branch Phrasal verbs By elision of the preposition or other processes, the verb has also become transitive in the sense ‘to grant dispensation to, for, or from.’ Transitive senses are found also in French from 15th cent.]

4. intransitive. To deal dispensatorily, to use dispensatory power; to grant dispensation or relaxation of the strict letter of the law in a special case; to make a special arrangement (with any one) whereby the penalty of a law is remitted in his case.

a. simply, or with in. (Originally in reference to ecclesiastical law; said also of a king's dispensing power.)

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legislation > make (a) law(s [verb (intransitive)] > relax law in specific case

dispensec1440

society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > forgiveness > forgive [verb (transitive)] > specifically an offence

forgiveOE

atletc1200

to pass overa1425

sparea1425

remit1457

dispense1563

dismissa1616

condonate1656

condone1851

to look over ——1887

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 122/2 Dyspenson, be auctoryte, of penawnce, dispenso.

1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 128 Quhat pouer haif ȝe to dispence mair in the ane nor in the wthir?

a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 40 When he dispenseth he sheweth the case whereon he dispenseth to be contained under the meaning of the law.

1688 E. Herbert Short Acct. Authorities Law 29 There is the same Disability in the Case of Sheriffs, and yet resolved that the King can Dispense in that Case.

1810–16 C. O'Conor Columbanus ad Hibernos vii. 62 It asserted..that the Pope could not dispense in the allegiance due by Catholics to their Sovereigns.

1833 R. H. Froude Remains (1838) I. 307 In case he could not dispense..at any rate the acts of one Council might be rescinded by another.

†b. with clause, expressing purpose or end. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 133 He cannot dispense that a man should keep a concubine, or that a king having a barren wife may marry again.

1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iv. xxv. 212 The Pope would not dispense that Princes should hold pluralitie of temporall Dominions.

Categories »

c. with with. The earliest construction exemplified (in Wyclif c1380), and also the most important: see to dispense with at Phrasal verbs below.

†d. with against. To relax a law or its penalty in opposition to (some authority); to give dispensation, indulgence, or permission, in opposition to (some law). Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1561 J. Daus tr. H. Bullinger Hundred Serm. vpon Apocalips lx. 406 Yea the same glosier..The Pope yf he will, sayeth he, maye dispence againste the Counsell. For he is more than the Counsell.

a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 133 Of set purpose spoken to intimate that the Pope cannot dispense against that chapter.

a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 146 He saith the Pope may dispense against the Apostles' order, as in bigamie, yet not against God's own law.

†5. transitive. To relax the law in reference to (some thing or person).

a. To remit or permit (a thing which is forbidden by the strict letter of the law); to remit or relax the penalty for (an offence); to condone. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] > permit a thing forbidden

dispense1393

1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 365 His sinne was dispensed With golde, wherof it was compensed.

c1540 in Fisher's Wks. (E.E.T.S.) II. p. xlii In this Bull the maryage with Prince Henrie was dispenced, for that the ladie was before maryed to his brother prince Arthur.

?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce 108 The Pope, dispensing all things for money.

1591 Troublesome Raigne Iohn i. sig. E3^v Our holy Father hath dispenst his sinnes.

†b. To permit (a person) to do something contrary to the general law; to permit by dispensation. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legislation > make (laws) or establish as law [verb (transitive)] > remove from jurisdiction of (a statute) > permit to do contrary to law

dispense1511

1511–12 Act 3 Hen. VIII c. 1. Preamble No person shuld carie..out of this Realme..Bullion..but suche persons as be desspensed within the Statute.

1605 W. Camden Remaines (1637) 127 Hugh..was dispensed by the Pope to marrie.

†c. absol. To permit, allow, give dispensation.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)]

thave835

unneeOE

levec897

forletc900

i-thavec900

i-unneeOE

allowa1393

licensec1400

admit1418

sustainc1425

usea1450

permit1473

permise1481

withganga1500

tolerate1533

intermit?c1550

licentiate1575

'low1587

dispense1646

beholdc1650

warrant1662

1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica To Rdr. sig. A iij a Would Truth dispense, we could be content with Plato, that knowledge were but Remembrance.

6. transitive. To dissolve, relax, or release by dispensation.

†a. To relax or dissolve the obligation of (a vow, oath, or the like) by ecclesiastical authority. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > remit (an obligation)

quitc1300

remit1405

pardon1433

to dispense with1530

dispense1532

mitigate1651

1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 619/2 The churche hathe synce..dispensed and vndone the bonde.

a1640 P. Massinger City-Madam (1658) v. iii. 95 Thy holy vow dispens'd.

1640 R. Brathwait Two Lancs. Lovers 235 Those vowes..could not so easily be dispenced.

b. To give (a person) dispensation from something; to release from (†of) an obligation; to exempt, excuse.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > exempt (one) from liability

spare1398

exempt1401

privilegea1475

depardon1501

dispense1627

frank1876

1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times iv. 58 Beleeving that hee was dispensed of his promise.

1639 T. B. tr. J.-P. Camus Certain Moral Relations in S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 345 [He] entreated his Highnes to dispense him from swearing that hee should no more love Goland.

1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xxxi. 122 The Subject I now treat of dispences me to speak of all.

1697 K. Chetwood Pref. to Pastorals in J. Dryden tr. Virgil Wks. sig. ****2^v Extraordinary Genius's have a sort of Prerogative, which may dispense them from Laws, binding to Subject-Wits.

1744 S. Johnson Acct. Life R. Savage 182 He appeared to think himself..dispensed from all Necessity of providing for himself.

a1822 P. B. Shelley Ess. & Lett. (1852) I. 226 This materialism..allows its disciples to talk, and dispenses them from thinking.

1851 J. H. Newman Lect. Present Position Catholics Eng. 173 Who was to dispense them from their oath?

absolute.1768 Woman of Honor II. 50 That dispenses from all panegiric.

†7. To do without, to forgo; = to dispense with 6 at Phrasal verbs. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or dispense with

forbearc900

forgoa1175

aspare1377

dispensec1420

missa1450

renouncec1480

sparea1525

afford?1560

free1561

egar1584

suspense1584

dispend1614

to dispense witha1616

waive1669

the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > refrain from using or doing > dispense with (ceremony, etc.)

dispensec1420

to dispense with1559

waive1781

c1420 Pallad. on Husb. vi. 235 As he as swyfte to be yit I dispence.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. vii. sig. S2 Images of battailes, & fortifications being then deliuered to their memory, which after, their stronger iudgements might dispens.

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 176 His right of investure of the Mitred Clergy he dispensed.

†8. intransitive. To make amends or compensation for. Obsolete. rare. (Cf. 1393 at sense 5a.)

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > reform, amendment, or correction > atonement > atone for [verb (transitive)]

beetc897

i-bye10..

abyelOE

answer?a1300

buya1300

amendc1300

mendc1330

forbuy1340

redressa1387

answera1400

byea1400

filla1400

peasea1400

ransoma1400

to pay for——c1400

recompense?a1439

abidea1450

satisfyc1460

redeema1464

repaira1513

syth1513

reconcile1535

acquit1567

dispense1590

assoil1596

propitiate1610

expiatea1626

atone1661

retrievea1679

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iii. sig. C5^v One louing howre For many yeares of sorrow can dispence.

Phrasal verbs

to dispense with [Originally the chief construction of the intransitive sense 4, = medieval Latin dispensare cum (see note under II.); which has become a verbal combination, with indirect passive to be dispensed with, and extensive development of sense.]

I. to dispense with a person.

†1.

a. To arrange administratively with (a person), so as to grant him relaxation or remission of penalty incurred by breach of law, or special exemption or release from a law or obligation; to let off from doing something; to exempt, excuse. reflexive. To excuse oneself, refrain or abstain from.

ΚΠ

c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 390 Her-to þai ben bounden..And þer may no man dispense with hem of þat boonde.

a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 86 Whan his fader was ded þe pope dispensid with him [sc. a monk], and made him wedde þe doutir of Charles.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. iiii To gether money..he had lycence of Pope Innocent the thyrde of y^t name to dispence w^t such as hym lykyd..for takynge vpon them the Crosse.

1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie sig. Biii^v God had dispensed wyth theym to haue manye wyues.

1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 104 He dispensed with a gentleman of Rome for his oath..never to divorce his wife, and gave him leave to put her away.

1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 251 I could not dispense with my self from making a little Voyage.

1728 T. Sheridan in tr. Persius Satyrs (1739) Ded. 6 I hope I shall be dispensed with, for studying Easiness of Style, rather than Elegance.

1775 S. Crisp Let. 8 May in F. Burney Early Diary (1889) II. 52 I cannot dispense with myself from giving you..my whole sentiments.

†b. transferred. To make an arrangement or compound with, for an offence, etc. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement [verb (intransitive)]

accord?a1160

to make (a) finec1325

covenantc1330

compound1419

packc1450

patisec1475

conclude1477

compone1478

bargain1483

article1526

make1530

compact1535

to dispense with1569

temporize1579

to make termsa1599

to strike (a person) luck1599

to be compromised1600

compacka1618

stipulatea1648

to come to terms1657

sort1685

paction1725

to cry off1775

pact1904

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 117 Those Gualo reserued to his awne aucthoritie, and in the ende for great summes of money [he] dispensed with them.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) v. i. 179 Canst thou dispense with heauen for such an oath?

1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. iv. xix. 132 They [were] dispensed with for a Garrison, and the Forfeit of a hundred and fifty thousand Rix-Dollars.

II. to dispense with a rule, obligation, requirement, etc.

2. To deal administratively with (a law or rule, ecclesiastical or civil) so as to relax or remit its penalty or obligation in a special case; to give special exemption or relief from.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > lack of strictness > lessen in strictness or severity [verb (transitive)] > relax (rules)

to dispense withc1380

excuse1646

waivea1665

to bend (also stretch) the rules1689

c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 511 Þe pope may dispence wiþ þe reule of ech privat secte or religioun..but he may not dispense wiþ Cristis reule ȝoven to apostlis.

1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 35 When ye prayed him to dispense with the hardnesse of your order.

a1513 W. Dunbar Ballat Abbot of Tungland in Poems (1998) I. 57 He had dispensit with matynnis channoun.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 69 Thys ys a grete faute..any one man to have such authoryte, to dyspense wyth the commyn lawys.

a1626 F. Bacon Elements Common Lawes (1630) 30 Necessity dispenseth with the direct letter of a Statute law.

1804 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. IV. 522 Either house of parliament might dispense with their own orders, whenever they thought fit.

1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. xiv. 406 It was agreed..that the king could not dispense with the common law.

1862 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 3) xvi. 247 The right of the King to dispense with penal statutes.

3. To relax the obligation of (a vow, oath, promise, or the like); to dissolve, in a special case, the binding force of (an oath, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > remit (an obligation)

quitc1300

remit1405

pardon1433

to dispense with1530

dispense1532

mitigate1651

1530 W. Tyndale Pract. Prelates sig. Hvij^v If this maryage be of god, the pope can not dispence with it.

1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares 15 b His humour was pacified, his oth was dispenst with.

a1618 W. Raleigh Disc. Warre in Wks. (1829) VIII. 266 How few kingdoms are there, wherein, by dispensing with oaths, absolving subjects from allegiance..the popes have not wrought innumerable mischiefs.

1692 J. Washington tr. J. Milton Def. People Eng. iv. 112 There needs no Pope to dispense with the people's Oaths.

1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) II. vii. 117 The king's vow of pilgrimage was dispensed with.

1883 J. A. Froude in Contemp. Rev. 44 13 A safe-conduct had not saved Huss, and Popes could dispense with promises.

†4. To set aside the obligation, observance, or practice of (any duty, etc.); to disregard. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > not do [verb (transitive)] > leave undone or fail to carry out

letc900

overheaveOE

forsakec1175

missa1350

leavea1375

fail1393

forgeta1400

omit?c1422

pretermit1475

neglect1533

to dispense with1559

permit1567

overrun1583

slip1592

default1649

to miss of ——1658

to fail of1723

dispensec1420

to dispense with1559

waive1781

1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Warwick vi With his fayth he past not to dispence.

1607 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 85 To resume that duty which I have so long dispensed with.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. i. 45 Hang the trifle (woman) take the honour: what is it? dispence with trifles: what is it?

1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. iv. xviii. 130 It seems, that..men may dispense with their faith or word given, even upon meer doubts.

1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. xx. 74 I never knew her dispense with her word, but once.

5. To do away with (a requirement, need, or necessity); to render unnecessary or superfluous.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or get rid of

to set awayc1430

to throw off1551

to dispense with1576

to down with1581

to fling off1587

to fob offa1616

shoot1877

1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie Epist. 255 [A Translation] short also, and not tedious, which dispenseth with all maner of cares and businesse.

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 219 The Vse of their Seruice dispenseth with the rest.

1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. ix. 166 Guilt or Injury..does not dispense with or supersede the Duty of Love and Good-will.

1875 F. Hall in Lippincott's Monthly Mag. 15 341/1 Familiar facts dispense with all need to draw on the imagination.

1892 Law Times 94 104/1 The possession given on the marriage day..dispensed with the necessity of a writing.

6. To excuse or put up with the absence or want of (a thing or person); to forgo, do without. (The opposite of 16.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or dispense with

forbearc900

forgoa1175

aspare1377

dispensec1420

missa1450

renouncec1480

sparea1525

afford?1560

free1561

egar1584

suspense1584

dispend1614

to dispense witha1616

waive1669

a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. ii. 87 Men must learne now with pitty to dispence.

1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §3 At the sight of a Crosse or Crucifix I can dispense with my hat, but scarse with the thought or memory of my Saviour.

1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 325 Won't you, Sir, dispense with me, on this Occasion?

1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xii. 301 Let us dispense with compliments.

1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. i. 68 No genius can dispense with experience.

1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ii. §8. 105 Resources which enabled him to dispense with the military support of his tenants.

III. to dispense with a breach of law, fault, offence, objectionable matter, etc.

†7. To deal with (a breach of law) so as to condone it; to grant a dispensation for (something illegal or irregular); to permit, allow, or condone by dispensation; to excuse, pardon. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. ij The whiche mariage, was dispensed with by Pope July, at the request of her father.

a1554 J. Croke tr. Thirteen Psalms (1844) xxxii. 8 Vppon me then thou wolt take ruthe, And with my faults clerely dispense.

a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 134 In such kind of marriages with which it hath not been wont to be dispensed, the children cannot prosper.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 136 Nature dispenses with the deede so farre, That it becomes a vertue.

1651 J. Saint-Amard tr. F. Micanzio Life Father Paul sig. G5 The reader will be pleas'd to dispence with this little digression.

1716 J. Addison Free-holder No. 43 His Religion, which dispenses with the Violation of the most sacred Engagements.

†8. To deal with indulgently; to manage with; to do with, put up with. Obsolete. (The exact opposite of 14: see quot. 1796.)

ΚΠ

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) v. sig. Pp4^v I woulde and coulde dispence with these difficulties.

1660 A. Wood Life & Times (1891) I. 366 Though they lately hated a square cap, yet now they could dispense with one.

1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 158 Yea, [they] can dispense with Hogs flesh and account it a dainty.

1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. vii. 133 Some Trades require a deeper, others may dispense with a shallower Shop.

1755 Colman & Thornton in Connoisseur No. 91. ⁋5 My pantry is stored with more provisions than we can dispense with.

1796 S. Pegge Anonymiana (1809) 460 I can dispense with it, i.e. I can do with it; and, I can dispense with it, i.e. I can do without it.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online December 2020).

单词	dispense
释义	dispensen.¹ Forms: Middle English (1600s) despens(e, Middle English–1700s dispense, Middle English–1600s dis-, Middle English1500s dyspence. Etymology: In I., < Old French despense act of spending, < late Latin dispensa , noun from past participle of dispendĕre to dispend v.; probably blending with Old French despens < Latin dispensum that which is expended. In II. probably an English derivative of the verb in the cognate sense.Previous versions of the OED give the stress as: diˈspense. I. Senses relating to expenditure. †1. Obsolete. a. The act of spending, expenditure. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > [noun] spendingc1000 spening1297 dispensec1320 costc1325 dispendingc1340 dispensationa1387 expense1393 depance1450 waringc1480 spensea1538 bestowing?1542 expending1545 defrayment1547 dispensing1548 disbursing1564 disbursal1589 debursing1598 disbursementa1599 disburse1608 depursement1636 debursement1650 dispension1658 spenda1688 disbursage1721 finances1730 expenditure1769 outlay1798 dispenditure1857 c1320 Seuyn Sag. (W.) 330 Your travail and your despens. 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 21 Huanne he deþ to moche despense oþer of his oȝen oþer of oþre manne. c1400 Rom. Rose 1141 Alle his purpos..Was for to make gret dispense. c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 443 He was but esy of dispence. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxix. 283 Huon gaue hym..money for his dyspence. 1613 William I in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) III. 154 With great dispence, both of their estates and blood. 1664 S. Pepys Diary 7 Sept. (1971) IV. 265 [They] are not sufficient to supply our dispense if a warr comes. b. plural. Expenses, charges, costs. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > management of money > expenditure > [noun] > expenses costningc1275 spense1297 costagesa1325 misesa1325 spenses1377 dispensec1380 expensesc1384 pensiona1387 costsc1390 resaillec1450 chargec1460 charges1514 outgiving1556 disbursement1607 going-outs1607 defalcation1622 outgoing1622 expense1632 outgoa1641 damage1755 outset1755 expenditure1791 outspend1859 ex1864 paid-out1883 outs1884 x's1894 c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. I. 20 Costlewe housis and greet dispensis. 1416 Comp. Subs. in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) I. 232 The somme..in clere, without colectours dispencis. c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) v. 119 Thai most serue hym..at thair owne dispenses. 1718 J. Byrom Let. 3 Jan. in Private Jrnl. & Lit. Remains (1854) I. i. 36 With these and other dispenses..I am just as I was before I drew upon you last. c. Means of meeting expenditure, money to spend or use; means of support; supplies. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > money > funds or pecuniary resources > [noun] > set apart for a purpose > spending- or pocket-money spending-silver1377 dispense1382 dispending1487 spending-money1598 pocket money1625 pin money1702 pocket allowance1726 Saturday pennya1854 spense1886 spend1970 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Chron. xxii. 5 Beforn his death he made redy alle the dispensis. c1430 Hymns Virg. 63 Wraþþe haþ no Conscience, He makiþ ech man oþeris foo; Þer~with he getiþ his dispence. a1510 G. Douglas King Hart ii. 443 Thai wantit thame dispence, Ewill purvayit folk. 1652 F. Kirkman tr. A. Du Périer Loves Clerio & Lozia 123 Which might furnish me with so many amorous dispences as these..beauties make by their so long sojourn at my heart. †2. The act of dispensing or bestowing liberally. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > liberal giving > [noun] custeOE largessea1393 largitionc1475 lavish1483 enlarginga1513 effusion1514 erogation1531 dispense1590 profusion1590 Maundy1595 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. xii. sig. Aa4^v Whateuer..Is sweete..Was poured forth with plentifull dispence. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. xi. sig. X8 Dealing his dreadfull blowes with large dispence . View more context for this quotation 3. †a. A place where provisions are kept; a store-room, pantry, or cellar; = spence n.¹ [ < French despence, a larder, storehouse, gardemanger (Cotgrave)] Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > place for storing food > [noun] cellar?c1225 larderc1305 pantrya1325 butleryc1325 spencec1386 larder-house1390 aumbrya1398 lardinera1400 meatfettle1440 spinde1481 selyer1483 pantyr?a1500 vault1500 eschansonnery1514 lardrya1552 lard-house1555 coveyc1593 brine-house1594 dispense1622 reservatory1647 provedore1694 ice cellar1735 spring house1755 provision house1787 futtah1834 pataka1842 1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue i. 237 He went to the Dispense for wine. 1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 348 In a little Dispense, or Pantrie. 1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 351. b. In full dispense bar. A bar in a club or hotel for the use of staff. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tap-room or bar > in club, hotel, or theatre the Shades1823 the nineteenth hole1901 dispense1934 nineteenth1948 crush bar1954 1934 ‘C. L. Anthony’ Touch Wood i. 27 A bar! They called it the dispense bar. 1961 Daily Tel. 7 Apr. 25 At the club..no intoxicating drinks were to be supplied after 2 a.m., when the bar and dispense were closed. II. In ecclesiastical use. †4. = dispensation n. 8. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > faith > church government > ecclesiastical authority > [noun] > ordinance of > dispensation dispensationc1380 dispension1483 dispense1490 spensation1618 indulgencea1680 1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xii. 46 [Elysse] leuynge by dyspense abstractyue her first vowes of chastyte promysed. 1578 Gude & G. Ball., Huntis vp 153 That cruell beist, he neuer ceist..Under dispens to get our penneis Our saulis to deuoir. 1631 T. Heywood Fair Maid of West: 2nd Pt. v. sig. K3^v My honesty, faith, and Religion are all ingag'd, ther's no dispence for them. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 492 Indulgences, Dispenses, Pardons, Bulls. View more context for this quotation 1777 W. Dalrymple Trav. Spain & Portugal cxi It is necessary for every knight who [marries] to get a dispense for his vow. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online December 2021). † dispensen.² Etymology: derivative of Latin dēpendĕre (see depend v.¹ 7) with dis- for de- (compare de- prefix 1f), perhaps of Anglo-Norman origin Godefroy has Old French despens for depens, and the same change of prefix is found in other Old French derivatives of dépendre. Obsolete. A state of uncertainty; an undetermined condition; suspense n. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] suspensec1440 hover1513 dispense1562 depending1616 suspension1635 hanging-up1638 cliff-hanging1945 1562 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 294 Mr. Tilcocke..shall stand in dispence for his submyssion for his offence untyll the ffeast of Christmas. 1583 B. Rich Phylotus & Emelia (1835) 23 If there be any thyng that hanges in dispence betweene vs. 1678 C. Cotterell & W. Aylesbury tr. E. C. Davila Hist. Civil Wars France (ed. 2) i. 33 This kind of proceeding held the King and all his Ministers in great dispense. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online March 2021). dispensev. /dɪˈspɛns/ Forms: Also Middle English–1500s des-, Middle English–1500s dys-; Middle English–1700s dispence. Etymology: Middle English < Old French de- , dispenser (13th cent. in Hatzfeld & Darmesteter) = Provençal despensar , Spanish despensar , Italian dispensare , < Latin dispensāre (frequentative of dispendĕre to dispend v.: compare pensāre to weigh out); in classical Latin to distribute by weight, to weigh out, disburse; to administer as steward, to dispose, arrange; in medieval Latin to arrange or deal administratively with a person in reference to the requirements of an ecclesiastical canon or law. I. from Latin dispensāre in classical senses. 1. a. transitive. To mete out, deal out, distribute; to bestow in portions or from a general stock. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > distributing or dealing out > distribute or deal out [verb (transitive)] britteneOE to-dealeOE dealOE britOE setc1275 dispensec1374 dispendc1375 to-seta1387 dispone1429 disposec1430 sparple1435 demean1439 distributea1464 distribue1477 issuec1484 communy1530 to deal out1535 impart1545 disperse1555 retail1576 digest1578 deliver1626 to hand out1648 to dispose of1676 dispensate1701 dole1701 to give out1710 sling1860 to give away1889 to pass out1926 dish1934 c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) v. pr. vi. 139 Despensynge and ordeynynge Meedes to goode men, and torment to wykked men. c1420 Pallad. on Husb. i. 172 Abundaunt wyne the north wynde wol dispence To vynes sette agayne his influence. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Hviii^v Some we must vse, dispence and expende and truly distribute. 1599 H. Buttes Dyets Dry Dinner sig. Aa2 I assume the Carvers office: and..dispense to every of my Guests according to the Season, his Age and Constitution. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 157 Now gentle gales..dispense Native perfumes. View more context for this quotation 1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 39 He might dispense favours, and disfavours according to his own election. 1742 N. Dubois & G. Leoni tr. A. Palladio Treat. Fires in tr. A. Palladio Architecture (ed. 3) II. 99 Those Pipes which dispens'd the Heat. 1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 212 Though nature weigh our talents, and dispense To ev'ry man his modicum of sense. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 81 Several commissioners..had been appointed to dispense the public alms. †b. To spend (time, talents): both in the sense of expending profitably and of wasting. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > use for specific purpose > specifically an immaterial thing beteec1175 spenec1200 beseta1240 dispenda1400 spenda1400 expendc1440 incline?a1475 expone1527 adhibit?1538 depend1607 dispense?1624 lend1697 ?1624 G. Chapman tr. Βατραχομυομαχια in tr. Crowne Homers Wks. 13 Who with his wreake dispenst No point of Tyme. 1638 F. Rous Heavenly Acad. x. 174 As everie man hath received the gift, so let him exercise and dispence it. a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Richard II cccxxviii, in Poems (1878) III. 219 Affliction Is the best Mistresse to dispence our Time. 2. a. To administer (e.g. a sacrament, justice, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > execute (justice, vengeance, etc.) takec1300 dispensea1398 minister1426 administer1443 ministrate1496 execute1530 distributea1616 administrate1649 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ii. ii. 63 [Angels] dispensith þinges þat beþ aboute vs. 1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 46 The sacrament that we han to dispensen off penaunce to the peple. 1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 65 It is nocht ye office of euerie man..to consecrat, dispens, and minister ye sacraments. c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) iv. 1517 You, which should true equity dispense. 1634 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. Hist. New Test. (STC 12640.7) i. 371 That power..is dispensed, and executed by some prime Ministers. 1678 R. Cudworth tr. Plato in True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iii. 110 Shall we say..that this whole Universe is dispensed ond [sic] ordered, by a mere Irrational..and Fortuitous Principle? 1894 Law Times 387/2 Sir Richard Malins..dispensed a home-brewed equity of his own. b. absol. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (intransitive)] dightc1275 dispensec1374 performa1382 to go througha1460 voyagec1500 to do one's do1650 to put down1943 c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) iv. pr. vi. 109 In the which thing I trowe þat god dispensith. a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 106 Lest hee should not dispense, and governe well. 3. Medicine. To make up (medicine) according to a prescribed formula; to put up (a prescription). ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > pharmacy > practise pharmaceutically [verb (transitive)] > dispense dispense1541 fill1891 1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) A iij Some [physitions] were not diligent inough in beholdynge their drouges or ingredience at all tymes dispensid and tried. 1628 J. Woodall Viaticum 18 I dispense, and administer all by Haberdepoys weight. 1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. iii. 274 That..the apothecary dispense his recipes properly. 1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 594 Swallow the two grand nostrums they dispense—That Scripture lies, and blasphemy is sense. 1883 New Sydenham Soc. Lexicon at Dispensary The place where medicines are prepared and given out, or dispensed. II. from medieval Latin dispensāre in ecclesiastical use. [In later medieval Latin (by 1200 or earlier) dispensāre was used absolutely or intransitively (= agere dispensatorie or dispensative ), in the sense ‘to make an arrangement in the character of a steward (οἰκονόμος ), administrator, or manager, to deal administratively,’ especially in reference to the practical application of a law or rule to a particular case; first, apparently, in the way of relaxing a punishment or penance, which, according to strict law, had been already incurred, but in the particular case ought to be remitted for special reasons; thence, in the remission of a punishment not yet incurred, which amounted in fact to a licence to break the legal rule; and thus, in the general sense of granting relaxation, exemption, indulgence, etc. The chief constructions were dispensare in tali casu , circa jus , circa aliquem or aliquid , and especially cum aliquo (ut possit ), etc. (to dispense in such a case, in reference to a certain law, or a certain person or matter, with a person that he may do something, etc.). (Prof. F. W. Maitland, LL.D.) These intransitive uses passed into English, especially dispense with , which became a combined verbal phrase, with indirect passive, to be dispensed with , and has had a wide development of sense: see branch Phrasal verbs By elision of the preposition or other processes, the verb has also become transitive in the sense ‘to grant dispensation to, for, or from.’ Transitive senses are found also in French from 15th cent.] 4. intransitive. To deal dispensatorily, to use dispensatory power; to grant dispensation or relaxation of the strict letter of the law in a special case; to make a special arrangement (with any one) whereby the penalty of a law is remitted in his case. a. simply, or with in. (Originally in reference to ecclesiastical law; said also of a king's dispensing power.) ΘΚΠ society > law > legislation > make (a) law(s [verb (intransitive)] > relax law in specific case dispensec1440 society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > forgiveness > forgive [verb (transitive)] > specifically an offence forgiveOE atletc1200 to pass overa1425 sparea1425 remit1457 dispense1563 dismissa1616 condonate1656 condone1851 to look over ——1887 c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 122/2 Dyspenson, be auctoryte, of penawnce, dispenso. 1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 128 Quhat pouer haif ȝe to dispence mair in the ane nor in the wthir? a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 40 When he dispenseth he sheweth the case whereon he dispenseth to be contained under the meaning of the law. 1688 E. Herbert Short Acct. Authorities Law 29 There is the same Disability in the Case of Sheriffs, and yet resolved that the King can Dispense in that Case. 1810–16 C. O'Conor Columbanus ad Hibernos vii. 62 It asserted..that the Pope could not dispense in the allegiance due by Catholics to their Sovereigns. 1833 R. H. Froude Remains (1838) I. 307 In case he could not dispense..at any rate the acts of one Council might be rescinded by another. †b. with clause, expressing purpose or end. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 133 He cannot dispense that a man should keep a concubine, or that a king having a barren wife may marry again. 1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iv. xxv. 212 The Pope would not dispense that Princes should hold pluralitie of temporall Dominions. Categories » c. with with. The earliest construction exemplified (in Wyclif c1380), and also the most important: see to dispense with at Phrasal verbs below. †d. with against. To relax a law or its penalty in opposition to (some authority); to give dispensation, indulgence, or permission, in opposition to (some law). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1561 J. Daus tr. H. Bullinger Hundred Serm. vpon Apocalips lx. 406 Yea the same glosier..The Pope yf he will, sayeth he, maye dispence againste the Counsell. For he is more than the Counsell. a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 133 Of set purpose spoken to intimate that the Pope cannot dispense against that chapter. a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 146 He saith the Pope may dispense against the Apostles' order, as in bigamie, yet not against God's own law. †5. transitive. To relax the law in reference to (some thing or person). a. To remit or permit (a thing which is forbidden by the strict letter of the law); to remit or relax the penalty for (an offence); to condone. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] > permit a thing forbidden dispense1393 1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 365 His sinne was dispensed With golde, wherof it was compensed. c1540 in Fisher's Wks. (E.E.T.S.) II. p. xlii In this Bull the maryage with Prince Henrie was dispenced, for that the ladie was before maryed to his brother prince Arthur. ?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce 108 The Pope, dispensing all things for money. 1591 Troublesome Raigne Iohn i. sig. E3^v Our holy Father hath dispenst his sinnes. †b. To permit (a person) to do something contrary to the general law; to permit by dispensation. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > legislation > make (laws) or establish as law [verb (transitive)] > remove from jurisdiction of (a statute) > permit to do contrary to law dispense1511 1511–12 Act 3 Hen. VIII c. 1. Preamble No person shuld carie..out of this Realme..Bullion..but suche persons as be desspensed within the Statute. 1605 W. Camden Remaines (1637) 127 Hugh..was dispensed by the Pope to marrie. †c. absol. To permit, allow, give dispensation. ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] thave835 unneeOE levec897 forletc900 i-thavec900 i-unneeOE allowa1393 licensec1400 admit1418 sustainc1425 usea1450 permit1473 permise1481 withganga1500 tolerate1533 intermit?c1550 licentiate1575 'low1587 dispense1646 beholdc1650 warrant1662 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica To Rdr. sig. A iij a Would Truth dispense, we could be content with Plato, that knowledge were but Remembrance. View more context for this quotation 6. transitive. To dissolve, relax, or release by dispensation. †a. To relax or dissolve the obligation of (a vow, oath, or the like) by ecclesiastical authority. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > remit (an obligation) quitc1300 remit1405 pardon1433 to dispense with1530 dispense1532 mitigate1651 1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 619/2 The churche hathe synce..dispensed and vndone the bonde. a1640 P. Massinger City-Madam (1658) v. iii. 95 Thy holy vow dispens'd. 1640 R. Brathwait Two Lancs. Lovers 235 Those vowes..could not so easily be dispenced. b. To give (a person) dispensation from something; to release from (†of) an obligation; to exempt, excuse. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > exempt (one) from liability spare1398 exempt1401 privilegea1475 depardon1501 dispense1627 frank1876 1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times iv. 58 Beleeving that hee was dispensed of his promise. 1639 T. B. tr. J.-P. Camus Certain Moral Relations in S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 345 [He] entreated his Highnes to dispense him from swearing that hee should no more love Goland. 1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xxxi. 122 The Subject I now treat of dispences me to speak of all. 1697 K. Chetwood Pref. to Pastorals in J. Dryden tr. Virgil Wks. sig. ***2^v Extraordinary Genius's have a sort of Prerogative, which may dispense them from Laws, binding to Subject-Wits. 1744 S. Johnson Acct. Life R. Savage* 182 He appeared to think himself..dispensed from all Necessity of providing for himself. a1822 P. B. Shelley Ess. & Lett. (1852) I. 226 This materialism..allows its disciples to talk, and dispenses them from thinking. 1851 J. H. Newman Lect. Present Position Catholics Eng. 173 Who was to dispense them from their oath? absolute.1768 Woman of Honor II. 50 That dispenses from all panegiric. †7. To do without, to forgo; = to dispense with 6 at Phrasal verbs. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or dispense with forbearc900 forgoa1175 aspare1377 dispensec1420 missa1450 renouncec1480 sparea1525 afford?1560 free1561 egar1584 suspense1584 dispend1614 to dispense witha1616 waive1669 the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > refrain from using or doing > dispense with (ceremony, etc.) dispensec1420 to dispense with1559 waive1781 c1420 Pallad. on Husb. vi. 235 As he as swyfte to be yit I dispence. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. vii. sig. S2 Images of battailes, & fortifications being then deliuered to their memory, which after, their stronger iudgements might dispens. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 176 His right of investure of the Mitred Clergy he dispensed. †8. intransitive. To make amends or compensation for. Obsolete. rare. (Cf. 1393 at sense 5a.) ΘΚΠ society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > reform, amendment, or correction > atonement > atone for [verb (transitive)] beetc897 i-bye10.. abyelOE answer?a1300 buya1300 amendc1300 mendc1330 forbuy1340 redressa1387 answera1400 byea1400 filla1400 peasea1400 ransoma1400 to pay for——c1400 recompense?a1439 abidea1450 satisfyc1460 redeema1464 repaira1513 syth1513 reconcile1535 acquit1567 dispense1590 assoil1596 propitiate1610 expiatea1626 atone1661 retrievea1679 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iii. sig. C5^v One louing howre For many yeares of sorrow can dispence. Phrasal verbs to dispense with [Originally the chief construction of the intransitive sense 4, = medieval Latin dispensare cum (see note under II.); which has become a verbal combination, with indirect passive to be dispensed with, and extensive development of sense.] I. to dispense with a person. †1. a. To arrange administratively with (a person), so as to grant him relaxation or remission of penalty incurred by breach of law, or special exemption or release from a law or obligation; to let off from doing something; to exempt, excuse. reflexive. To excuse oneself, refrain or abstain from. ΚΠ c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 390 Her-to þai ben bounden..And þer may no man dispense with hem of þat boonde. a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 86 Whan his fader was ded þe pope dispensid with him [sc. a monk], and made him wedde þe doutir of Charles. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. iiii To gether money..he had lycence of Pope Innocent the thyrde of y^t name to dispence w^t such as hym lykyd..for takynge vpon them the Crosse. 1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie sig. Biii^v God had dispensed wyth theym to haue manye wyues. 1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 104 He dispensed with a gentleman of Rome for his oath..never to divorce his wife, and gave him leave to put her away. 1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 251 I could not dispense with my self from making a little Voyage. 1728 T. Sheridan in tr. Persius Satyrs (1739) Ded. 6 I hope I shall be dispensed with, for studying Easiness of Style, rather than Elegance. 1775 S. Crisp Let. 8 May in F. Burney Early Diary (1889) II. 52 I cannot dispense with myself from giving you..my whole sentiments. †b. transferred. To make an arrangement or compound with, for an offence, etc. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement [verb (intransitive)] accord?a1160 to make (a) finec1325 covenantc1330 compound1419 packc1450 patisec1475 conclude1477 compone1478 bargain1483 article1526 make1530 compact1535 to dispense with1569 temporize1579 to make termsa1599 to strike (a person) luck1599 to be compromised1600 compacka1618 stipulatea1648 to come to terms1657 sort1685 paction1725 to cry off1775 pact1904 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 117 Those Gualo reserued to his awne aucthoritie, and in the ende for great summes of money [he] dispensed with them. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) v. i. 179 Canst thou dispense with heauen for such an oath? View more context for this quotation 1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. iv. xix. 132 They [were] dispensed with for a Garrison, and the Forfeit of a hundred and fifty thousand Rix-Dollars. II. to dispense with a rule, obligation, requirement, etc. 2. To deal administratively with (a law or rule, ecclesiastical or civil) so as to relax or remit its penalty or obligation in a special case; to give special exemption or relief from. ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of strictness > lessen in strictness or severity [verb (transitive)] > relax (rules) to dispense withc1380 excuse1646 waivea1665 to bend (also stretch) the rules1689 c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 511 Þe pope may dispence wiþ þe reule of ech privat secte or religioun..but he may not dispense wiþ Cristis reule ȝoven to apostlis. 1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 35 When ye prayed him to dispense with the hardnesse of your order. a1513 W. Dunbar Ballat Abbot of Tungland in Poems (1998) I. 57 He had dispensit with matynnis channoun. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 69 Thys ys a grete faute..any one man to have such authoryte, to dyspense wyth the commyn lawys. a1626 F. Bacon Elements Common Lawes (1630) 30 Necessity dispenseth with the direct letter of a Statute law. 1804 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. IV. 522 Either house of parliament might dispense with their own orders, whenever they thought fit. 1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. xiv. 406 It was agreed..that the king could not dispense with the common law. 1862 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 3) xvi. 247 The right of the King to dispense with penal statutes. 3. To relax the obligation of (a vow, oath, promise, or the like); to dissolve, in a special case, the binding force of (an oath, etc.). ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > remit (an obligation) quitc1300 remit1405 pardon1433 to dispense with1530 dispense1532 mitigate1651 1530 W. Tyndale Pract. Prelates sig. Hvij^v If this maryage be of god, the pope can not dispence with it. 1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares 15 b His humour was pacified, his oth was dispenst with. a1618 W. Raleigh Disc. Warre in Wks. (1829) VIII. 266 How few kingdoms are there, wherein, by dispensing with oaths, absolving subjects from allegiance..the popes have not wrought innumerable mischiefs. 1692 J. Washington tr. J. Milton Def. People Eng. iv. 112 There needs no Pope to dispense with the people's Oaths. 1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) II. vii. 117 The king's vow of pilgrimage was dispensed with. 1883 J. A. Froude in Contemp. Rev. 44 13 A safe-conduct had not saved Huss, and Popes could dispense with promises. †4. To set aside the obligation, observance, or practice of (any duty, etc.); to disregard. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > not do [verb (transitive)] > leave undone or fail to carry out letc900 overheaveOE forsakec1175 missa1350 leavea1375 fail1393 forgeta1400 omit?c1422 pretermit1475 neglect1533 to dispense with1559 permit1567 overrun1583 slip1592 default1649 to miss of ——1658 to fail of1723 the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > refrain from using or doing > dispense with (ceremony, etc.) dispensec1420 to dispense with1559 waive1781 1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Warwick vi With his fayth he past not to dispence. 1607 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 85 To resume that duty which I have so long dispensed with. a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. i. 45 Hang the trifle (woman) take the honour: what is it? dispence with trifles: what is it? View more context for this quotation 1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. iv. xviii. 130 It seems, that..men may dispense with their faith or word given, even upon meer doubts. 1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. xx. 74 I never knew her dispense with her word, but once. 5. To do away with (a requirement, need, or necessity); to render unnecessary or superfluous. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or get rid of to set awayc1430 to throw off1551 to dispense with1576 to down with1581 to fling off1587 to fob offa1616 shoot1877 1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie Epist. 255 [A Translation] short also, and not tedious, which dispenseth with all maner of cares and businesse. 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 219 The Vse of their Seruice dispenseth with the rest. 1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. ix. 166 Guilt or Injury..does not dispense with or supersede the Duty of Love and Good-will. 1875 F. Hall in Lippincott's Monthly Mag. 15 341/1 Familiar facts dispense with all need to draw on the imagination. 1892 Law Times 94 104/1 The possession given on the marriage day..dispensed with the necessity of a writing. 6. To excuse or put up with the absence or want of (a thing or person); to forgo, do without. (The opposite of 16.) ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or dispense with forbearc900 forgoa1175 aspare1377 dispensec1420 missa1450 renouncec1480 sparea1525 afford?1560 free1561 egar1584 suspense1584 dispend1614 to dispense witha1616 waive1669 a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. ii. 87 Men must learne now with pitty to dispence. 1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §3 At the sight of a Crosse or Crucifix I can dispense with my hat, but scarse with the thought or memory of my Saviour. View more context for this quotation 1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 325 Won't you, Sir, dispense with me, on this Occasion? 1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xii. 301 Let us dispense with compliments. 1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. i. 68 No genius can dispense with experience. 1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ii. §8. 105 Resources which enabled him to dispense with the military support of his tenants. III. to dispense with a breach of law, fault, offence, objectionable matter, etc. †7. To deal with (a breach of law) so as to condone it; to grant a dispensation for (something illegal or irregular); to permit, allow, or condone by dispensation; to excuse, pardon. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. ij The whiche mariage, was dispensed with by Pope July, at the request of her father. a1554 J. Croke tr. Thirteen Psalms (1844) xxxii. 8 Vppon me then thou wolt take ruthe, And with my faults clerely dispense. a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 134 In such kind of marriages with which it hath not been wont to be dispensed, the children cannot prosper. a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 136 Nature dispenses with the deede so farre, That it becomes a vertue. View more context for this quotation 1651 J. Saint-Amard tr. F. Micanzio Life Father Paul sig. G5 The reader will be pleas'd to dispence with this little digression. 1716 J. Addison Free-holder No. 43 His Religion, which dispenses with the Violation of the most sacred Engagements. †8. To deal with indulgently; to manage with; to do with, put up with. Obsolete. (The exact opposite of 14: see quot. 1796.) ΚΠ a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) v. sig. Pp4^v I woulde and coulde dispence with these difficulties. 1660 A. Wood Life & Times (1891) I. 366 Though they lately hated a square cap, yet now they could dispense with one. 1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 158 Yea, [they] can dispense with Hogs flesh and account it a dainty. 1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. vii. 133 Some Trades require a deeper, others may dispense with a shallower Shop. 1755 Colman & Thornton in Connoisseur No. 91. ⁋5 My pantry is stored with more provisions than we can dispense with. 1796 S. Pegge Anonymiana (1809) 460 I can dispense with it, i.e. I can do with it; and, I can dispense with it, i.e. I can do without it. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1896; most recently modified version published online December 2020). < n.¹c1320n.²1562v.c1374
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dispensen.1

† dispensen.2

dispensev.

Phrasal verbs

dispensen.¹

† dispensen.²