Dispensation
[dɪspen'seɪʃ(ə)n]
Definition
(noun.) the act of dispensing (giving out in portions).
(noun.) an exemption from some rule or obligation.
(noun.) a share that has been dispensed or distributed.
Typed by Blanche--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The act of dispensing or dealing out; distribution; often used of the distribution of good and evil by God to man, or more generically, of the acts and modes of his administration.
(n.) That which is dispensed, dealt out, or appointed; that which is enjoined or bestowed
(n.) A system of principles, promises, and rules ordained and administered; scheme; economy; as, the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian dispensations.
(n.) The relaxation of a law in a particular case; permission to do something forbidden, or to omit doing something enjoined; specifically, in the Roman Catholic Church, exemption from some ecclesiastical law or obligation to God which a man has incurred of his own free will (oaths, vows, etc.).
Edited by Barrett
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Distribution, apportionment, allotment.[2]. Administration, stewardship.[3]. Scheme, plan, system, economy.[4]. Exemption (from some law), license.
Edited by Craig
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Economy, dealing, revelation, distribution, arrangement, visitation, exemption,immunity, privilege, abandonment, dismissal, disuse, indulgence
ANT:Reservation, injunction, prohibition, enforcement, retention, restriction
Inputed by Kirsten
Definition
n. the act of dispensing or dealing out: various methods or stages of God's dealing with His creatures—Patriarchal Mosaic Christian: the distribution of good and evil in the divine government: license or permission to neglect a rule.—adjs. Dispens′ative Dispens′atory granting dispensation.—advs. Dispens′atively Dispens′atorily.—n. Dispens′atory a book containing medical prescriptions.—adj. Dispens′ing.
Checked by Genevieve
Examples
- And a still more extravagant and unwise claim made by the church was the claim to the power of _dispensation_. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- I, in my stiff- necked rebellion, almost cursed the dispensation: instead of bending to the decree, I defied it. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- For my vow, said the Templar, our Grand Master hath granted me a dispensation. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- All sacrifice was barred to the faithful; no loophole was left for the sacrificial priest of the old dispensation to come back into the new faith. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- What was happening to the dukes, princes, and kings of the old dispensation during this age of change? H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Twere unjust to visit upon Mr and Mrs Boffin, a calamity which was doubtless a dispensation. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- I thought perhaps you were all his, which would have been a cruel dispensation for me. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- A dispensation,' said Sam, correcting the old gentleman. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- Come, then; by special dispensation we will allow him a few cracknels, but nothing less homely. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Of dispensations we have already spoken (§ 11). H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
Typist: Rex