† diˈspension Obs.
[n. of action from dispend: cf. OF. despension expense (Godef.).]
1. Spending; expenditure.
| 1630 S. Lennard tr. Charron's Wisd. i. xxi. §1 (1670) 75 Their dispensions themselves..have a scent of Covetousness. 1684 N. S. Crit. Enq. Edit. Bible xxv. 231 With what noyse, bustle, and dispension the diversities of Bibles came accompanied into England. |
2. Suspension of a law; dispensation.
| 1483 Cron. Eng. (1510) X v b/1 Iohn..wedded dame Blaunche..by dyspencyon of the pope. 1502 Arnolde Chron. (1811) 82 To sue to y kynges grace for a dispencion of the acte of parlement late made to the contrarie. |