dispense: 1. (tr) to give out or distribute in portions 2. (tr) to prepare and distribute (medicine), esp. on prescription 3. (tr) to administer (the law, etc.) 4. (intr.; foll. by with) to do away (with) or manage (without) 5. to grant a dispensation to (someone) from (some obligation of church law) 6. to exempt or excuse from a rule or obligation