Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of dispensing or distributing something: The process of giving out or supplying something, often in measured portions or shares.
   • A system or arrangement that governs a particular period or group: Often used in religious contexts to refer to a specific religious system or order established by divine authority.
   • Official permission to be exempt from a rule or obligation: An authorization or license to not follow a usual law, requirement, or duty.

Examples

• Act of distributing:

  • The dispensation of medicine to the refugees was carefully organized.
  • The charity oversees the fair dispensation of food and supplies.

• Religious system or order:

  • Theologians study the Mosaic dispensation described in the Old Testament.
  • He wrote a book comparing the old and new dispensations of faith.

• Exemption from a rule:

  • The doctor received a dispensation from the hospital's dress code for religious reasons.
  • A special dispensation allowed the student to submit the assignment late.

Advanced Usage

• "Under the dispensation of...": Operating within or according to a particular system or authority.

  • Under the current legal dispensation, such actions are permitted.

• "Dispensation with": The act of doing without something; making something unnecessary. (Note: This is a related but distinct usage, often seen as "dispense with").

  • The dispensation with formalities made the meeting more efficient.

Variants and Related Words

• Dispense (verb): To distribute or provide a service or item.
  • The machine dispenses coffee.
• Dispensary (noun): A place where medicines are prepared and given out.
  • She went to the clinic's dispensary.
• Dispenser (noun): A person or device that distributes something.
  • He is a dispenser of wisdom. / a soap dispenser.

Synonyms

• Distribution: The act of giving shares of something to a number of recipients.
• System: A set of principles or procedures according to which something is done.
• Exemption: The process of freeing or state of being free from an obligation or liability imposed on others.

Related Phrases

• Grant a dispensation: To officially give permission for an exemption.
  • The archbishop granted a dispensation for the marriage.

Related Idioms

• A special dispensation: An exceptional permission or exemption granted in particular circumstances.
  • They needed a special dispensation to build on the protected land.

Noun

1. the act of dispensing (giving out in portions)
2. a share that has been dispensed or distributed
3. an exemption from some rule or obligation