/
dɪˈspɛns/
v.
- distribute to a number of people.
▸(of a machine or container) supply or release (a product or cash).
▸(of a chemist) supply (medicine) according to a prescription.
-
(dispense with)
get rid of or manage without.
- exempt (someone) from a religious obligation.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. dispensare ‘continue to weigh out or disburse’, from dispendere, based on pendere ‘weigh’.