dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌspen-

1

a

: a general state or ordering of things

specifically : a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs

a privilege maintained under the new dispensation

b

: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature

involving special dispensation by the Church

2

a

: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath

may be granted a dispensation from the rule

b

: a formal authorization

requested a dispensation to form another lodge

3

a

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medication

b

: something dispensed or distributed

… one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country's history, the paperback book.

—T. E. Cooney

dispensational

ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌspen-

adjective

Synonyms

• admeasurement
• allocation
• allotment
• apportionment
• disbursement
• distribution
• division
• issuance

Examples of dispensation in a Sentence

The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.

The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ninety-four year old Sister Mary Avila, a semi-cloistered nun who had a special dispensation to paint in the Metropolitan Museum of Art , taught Warner about pastels and oil paintings. —Provided By Cincinnati Usa Regional Chamber, The Enquirer, 1 Dec. 2024

But as the first group ages further, the older dispensation will become more and more of a niche in its own right, a small constellation in the larger, weirder panoply. —Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024

Lee was freed as part of a mass dispensation of pardons issued by Yoon in 2022. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Dec. 2024

In some cases, clubs can write to the league and ask for special dispensation if a certain regulation cannot be met. —Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dispense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən 

-ˌpen-

1

a

: a system of rules for ordering affairs

b

: a particular arrangement especially of nature

2

: release from a rule or from a vow or oath

3

a

: the act of dispensing

b

: something dispensed or distributed

dispensational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen- 

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medicines