from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
DISBURSEMENT. Literally, to take money out of a purse. Figuratively, to pay
out money; to expend money; and sometimes it signifies to advance money.
2. A master of a ship makes disbursements, whether with his own money
or that of the owner, when he defrays expenses for the ship.
3. An executor, guardian, trustee, or other accountant, is said to have
made disbursements when he expended money on account of the estate which he
holds. These, when properly made, are always allowed in the settlement of
the accounts.