distributing

Distribute \Dis*trib"ute\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Distributed}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Distributing}.] [L. distributus, p. p. of
   distribuere to divide, distribute; dis- + tribuere to assign,
   give, allot. See {Tribute}.]
   1. To divide among several or many; to deal out; to
      apportion; to allot.
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            She did distribute her goods to all them that were
            nearest of kindred.                   --Judith xvi.
                                                  24.
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   2. To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice.
      --Shak.
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   3. To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds, or
      species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters,
      etc.
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   4. (Printing)
      (a) To separate (type which has been used) and return it
          to the proper boxes in the cases.
      (b) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table.
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   5. (Logic) To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as
      universal in one premise.
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            A term is said to be distributed when it is taken
            universal, so as to stand for everything it is
            capable of being applied to.          --Whately.

   Syn: To dispense; deal out; apportion; allot; share; assign;
        divide.
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Distributing \Dis*trib"u*ting\, a.
   That distributes; dealing out.
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   {Distributing past office}, an office where the mails for a
      large district are collected to be assorted according to
      their destination and forwarded.
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