† comˈpense, v. Obs.
Also 7 compence.
[a. OF. compenser (13th c. in Godef.), Pr. and Sp. compensar, It. compensare:—L. compensāre.]
To compensate, to counterbalance. a. trans.
| 1393 Gower Conf. I. 365 His sinne was despensed With golde, wherof it was compensed. 1622 Bacon Hen. VII, 208 The Ioyes and Feasts of the two Marriages, were compensed with the Mournings and Funerals of Prince Arthur and of Queene Elizabeth. 1626 ― Sylva §398 The Length of the Night and the Dews thereof, do compence the Heat of the Day. 1648 Remonstr. Army & Officers 49 The hazzard..is abundantly compenst by those hopes. 1706 J. Frazer Sec. Sight in Ess. Witchcr. (1820) 179 God might compense the want of many other gifts. |
b. intr.
| 1825 Southey Paraguay iii. 41 For what thou losest..There is one change alone that may compense. |