from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dispense \Dis*pense"\, v. i.
1. To compensate; to make up; to make amends. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
One loving hour
For many years of sorrow can dispense. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. To give dispensation.
[1913 Webster]
He [the pope] can also dispense in all matters of
ecclesiastical law. --Addis &
Arnold (Cath.
Dict. )
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]