† diˈspender Obs.
Also 4–5 des-, dispendour.
[ME. a. OF. despendour agent-n. from despendre: see prec.]
One that expends; a dispenser; an almoner; a steward; = dispensator.
| 1340 Ayenb. 190 He..het his desspendoure þet he him yeaue uyftene pond of gold. Þe spendere..ne yeaf bote uyf. 1382 Wyclif Tit. i. 7 It bihoueth a bischop for to be withoute crime, as dispendour of God. 1382 ― 1 Pet. iv. 10 As goode dispenderes of the..grace of God. c 1386 Chaucer Melib. ¶687 The gretter richesses that a man hath, the mo despendours he hath. c 1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode iii. xvii. (1869) 144 Thilke is executrice, and dispendere of the residue of the testat. 1450–1530 Myrr. our Ladye 114 Marye..that arte..moste ware dyspender..fede the hungry wyth thy benygne prouydence. 1611 Florio, Dispensatore..also a dispender. |