/di spach"/ , v.t.
1. to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
2. to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.
3. to put to death; kill: The spy was promptly dispatched.
4. to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.
v.i.
5. Archaic. to hasten; be quick.
n.
6. the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.
7. the act of putting to death; killing; execution.
8. prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.
9. expeditious performance; promptness or speed: Proceed with all possible dispatch.
10. Com.
a. a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.
b. a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.
11. a written message sent with speed.
12. an official communication sent by special messenger.
13. Journalism. a news story transmitted to a newspaper, wire service, or the like, by one of its reporters, or by a wire service to a newspaper or other news agency.
14. mentioned in dispatches , Brit. honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.
Also, despatch .
[ 1510-20; dispacciare to hasten, speed, or despachar both ult. despeechier to unshackle, equiv. to des- DIS- 1 + -peechier -pedicare to shackle; see IMPEACH ]
Syn. 9. rapidity, haste, alacrity, celerity.