Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dispense \Dis*pense"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dispensed}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Dispensing}.] [F. dispenser, L. dispensare, intens.
   of dispendere. See {Dispend}.]
   1. To deal out in portions; to distribute; to give; as, the
      steward dispenses provisions according directions; Nature
      dispenses her bounties; to dispense medicines.

            He is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the
            company.                              --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.

   2. To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to
      execute; to manage; to direct.

            While you dispense the laws, and guide the state.
                                                  --Dryden.

   3. To pay for; to atone for. [Obs.]

            His sin was dispensed With gold, whereof it was
            compensed.                            --Gower.

   4. To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; -- with from.

            It was resolved that all members of the House who
            held commissions, should be dispensed from
            parliamentary attendance.             --Macaulay.

            He appeared to think himself born to be supported by
            others, and dispensed from all necessity of
            providing for himself.                --Johnson.

Dispense \Dis*pense"\, v. i.
   1. To compensate; to make up; to make amends. [Obs.]

            One loving hour For many years of sorrow can
            dispense.                             --Spenser.

   2. To give dispensation.

            He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of
            ecclesiastical law.                   --Addis &
                                                  Arnold (Cath.
                                                  Dict. )

   {To dispense with}.
      (a) To permit the neglect or omission of, as a form, a
          ceremony, an oath; to suspend the operation of, as a
          law; to give up, release, or do without, as services,
          attention, etc.; to forego; to part with.
      (b) To allow by dispensation; to excuse; to exempt; to
          grant dispensation to or for. [Obs.] ``Conniving and
          dispensing with open and common adultery.'' --Milton.
      (c) To break or go back from, as one's word. [Obs.]
          --Richardson.

Dispense \Dis*pense"\, n. [Cf. F. dispense dispensation. See
   {Dispense}, v. t.]
   Dispensation; exemption. [Obs.]

Dispense \Dis*pense"\, n. [OF. despense, F. d['e]pense.]
   Expense; profusion; outlay. [Obs.]

         It was a vault built for great dispense. --Spenser.

Source : WordNet®

dispense
     v 1: administer or bestow, as in small portions; "administer
          critical remarks to everyone present"; "dole out some
          money"; "shell out pocket money for the children"; "deal
          a blow to someone" [syn: {distribute}, {administer}, {mete
          out}, {deal}, {parcel out}, {lot}, {shell out}, {deal
          out}, {dish out}, {allot}, {dole out}]
     2: grant a dispensation; grant an exemption; "I was dispensed
        from this terrible task"
     3: give or apply (medications) [syn: {administer}]