Verb

(contribut)

To give something, that is or becomes part of a larger whole.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katie L. Burke

, title= In the News , volume=101, issue=3, page=193, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents.}}

Verb

To issue, distribute, or put out.

* Sir Walter Scott

He is delighted to dispense a share of it to all the company.

* 1955 , William Golding, The Inheritors , Faber and Faber 2005, p.40:

The smoky spray seemed to trap whatever light there was and to dispense it subtly.

To apply, as laws to particular cases; to administer; to execute; to manage; to direct.

to dispense justice

* Dryden

While you dispense the laws, and guide the state.

To supply or make up a medicine or prescription.

The pharmacist dispensed my tablets.

An optician can dispense spectacles.

To eliminate or do without; used intransitively with with .

I wish he would dispense with the pleasantries and get to the point.

(obsolete) To give a dispensation to (someone); to excuse.

* , II.34:

After his victories, he often gave them the reines to all licenciousnesse, for a while dispencing them from all rules of military discipline.

* Macaulay

It was resolved that all members of the House who held commissions, should be dispensed from parliamentary attendance.

* Johnson

He appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself.

(obsolete) To compensate; to make up; to make amends.

* Spenser

One loving hour / For many years of sorrow can dispense .

* Gower

His sin was dispensed / With gold, whereof it was compensed.