I. ˈdōl noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dāl portion — more at deal
Date: before 12th century
1. archaic : one's allotted share, portion, or destiny
2.
a.
(1) : a giving or distribution of food, money, or clothing to the needy
(2) : a grant of government funds to the unemployed
b. : something distributed at intervals to the needy ; also : handout 1
c. : something portioned out bit by bit
II. transitive verb
( doled ; dol·ing )
Date: 15th century
: to give or distribute as a charity — usually used with out
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English dol, from Anglo-French duel, dol, from Late Latin dolus, alteration of Latin dolor
Date: 13th century
archaic : grief , sorrow