v. & n. (also despatch)
--v.tr.
1. send off to a destination or for a purpose (dispatched him with the message).
2 perform (business, a task, etc.) promptly; finish off.
3 kill, execute (dispatched him with the revolver).
4 colloq. eat (food, a meal, etc.) quickly.
--n.
1. the act or an instance of sending (a messenger, letter, etc.).
2 the act or an instance of killing; execution.
3 a an official written message on State or esp. military affairs. b a report sent in by a newspaper's correspondent, usu. from a foreign country.
4 promptness, efficiency (done with dispatch).
Phrases and idioms:
dispatch-box (or -case) a container for esp. official State or military documents or dispatches. dispatch-rider a motor cyclist or rider on horseback carrying military dispatches.
Derivatives:
dispatcher n.
Etymology: It. dispacciare or Sp. despachar expedite (as DIS-, It. impacciare and Sp. empachar hinder, of uncert. orig.)