[ dɪ'spɛns ]
■ verb
1》 distribute to a number of people.
↘(of a machine or container) supply or release (a product or cash).
↘(of a chemist) supply (medicine) according to a prescription.
2》 ( ~ with ) get rid of or manage without.
3》 exempt (someone) from a religious obligation.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. dispensare 'continue to weigh out or disburse', from dispendere , based on pendere 'weigh'.