dispensation

[dis-puhn-sey-shuhn, -pen-]

noun

1. an act or instance of dispensing; distribution.

   Synonyms: bestowal, dissemination, dispersion

2. something that is distributed or given out.

3. a certain order, system, or arrangement; administration or management.

4. Theology.

   1. the divine ordering of the affairs of the world.

   2. an appointment, arrangement, or favor, as by God.

   3. a divinely appointed order or age.

      the old Mosaic, or Jewish, dispensation; the new gospel, or Christian, dispensation.

5. a dispensing with, doing away with, or doing without something.

6. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. a relaxation of law in a particular case granted by a competent superior or the superior's delegate in laws that the superior has the power to make and enforce.

      a dispensation regarding the Lenten fast.

   2. an official document authorizing such a relaxation of law.

dispensation

/ ˌdɪspɛnˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of distributing or dispensing

2. something distributed or dispensed

3. a system or plan of administering or dispensing

4. RC Church

   1. permission to dispense with an obligation of church law

   2. the document authorizing such permission

5. any exemption from a rule or obligation

6. Christianity

   1. the ordering of life and events by God

   2. a divine decree affecting an individual or group

   3. a religious system or code of prescriptions for life and conduct regarded as of divine origin

Other Word Forms

• dispensational adjective
• dispensatorily adverb
• nondispensation noun
• nondispensational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dispensation¹

1325–75; Middle English dispensacioun < Medieval Latin dispēnsātiōn- (stem of dispēnsātiō ) a pardon, relaxation, Late Latin: order, system, divine grace, Latin: distribution, equivalent to dispēnsāt ( us ) (past participle of dispēnsāre to dispense; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Divine dispensation allowed me to catch the final performance of this revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s 1971 breakout musical.

From Los Angeles Times

Gomez’s announcement of the assistance program comes after Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino issued a dispensation allowing parishioners fearful of deportations to stay home rather than attend Mass.

From Los Angeles Times

San Bernardino Roman Catholic Bishop Alberto Rojas issued a dispensation Tuesday evening, offering members of his diocese’s roughly one million parishioners in danger of being deported the option to stay home Sundays.

From Los Angeles Times

Saracens are requiring cover for the injured Alex Lozowski and are allowed dispensation in the salary cap to replace him in their squad for next season.

From BBC

Saracens are looking for cover for the injured Alex Lozowski and are allowed dispensation in the salary cap to replace him in their squad for next season.

From BBC

Related Words

• exemption 
• immunity 
• reprieve