noun

dispensation

exemption, distribution, system, provision

He was granted a special dispensation to marry his cousin.

He was granted a special dispensation to marry his cousin.

The dispensation of justice is a key role of the courts.

The dispensation of justice is a key role of the courts.

They believed a new political dispensation was coming.

They believed a new political dispensation was coming.

((a)) dispensation ((from sth. / to do sth.)) an exemption from a rule She needed a dispensation from the residency requirement.

((the)) dispensation ((of sth.)) the act of distributing something The charity handles the dispensation of aid.

Synonyms: exemption, permission, distribution, provision, system, order

From Latin 'dispensare' (to weigh out, distribute), from 'dis-' (apart) + 'pensare' (to weigh).

Think of a pharmacy 'dispensing' medicine; they give it out. A dispensation is the act of giving something out, or giving permission (letting someone off a rule).

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