How to write a definitions; article-related

These are correct-

A dispensation is a special permission to do something.
A certain behavior is marked by doing either good or bad things.

Thank you. I think I can the definition part go either way.

A dispensation is special permission (or a special permission) to do something.

How about this? What is your opinion/stand on this?

A sin is behaviour (a behaviour?) that is marked by doing bad things.

For this, I think the word (uncountable version of the variable noun "behaviou

If you add an 'a' in front of the vocabulary word, you also need an 'a' in front of the definition (a dispensation, a special permission). Yes, saying "sin is behavior..." is correct.

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Hi. I have the Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Engish Dictionary and in it, one entry for the definition for the word "dispensation" is this:

N-VAR A dispensation is special permission to do something that is normally not allowed.

Why is there no article in front of the word "special"? Thank you.

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Permission is usually uncountable.
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Hi,

Here is the definition from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=22479&dict=CALD:

dispensation (PERMISSION) http://www.EnglishForward.com/English/def

Hi. If the word "dispensation" is a variable noun, the countable version would be for examples and instances of that, rather than kinds or brands. I think the word "liquid" as a mass noun would give itself nicely to "type/kind" distinctions (if I phrased it correctly). The word "dispensation" would be more akin in terms of its usage to the word "discussion." For example, the general