noun.
The act of dispensing or dealing out; distribution: as, the dispensation of royal favors; the dispensation of good and evil by Divine Providence.
noun.
A particular distribution of blessing or affliction dispensed by God to a person, family, community, or nation, in the course of his dealings with his creatures; that which is dispensed or dealt out by God: as, a sad dispensation; a merciful dispensation.
noun.
In theology: The method or scheme by which God has at different times developed his purposes, and revealed himself to man; or the body of privileges bestowed, and duties and responsibilities enjoined, in connection with that scheme or method of revelation: as, the old or Jewish dispensation; the new or Gospel dispensation. See grace.
noun.
A period marked by a particular development of the divine purpose and revelation: as, the patriarchal dispensation (lasting from Adam to Moses); the Mosaic dispensation (from Moses to Christ); the Christian dispensation.
noun.
Management; stewardship; an act or action as manager or steward.
noun.
A relaxation of the law in some particular case; specifically, a license granted (as by the pope or a bishop) relieving or exempting a person in certain circumstances from the action, obligations, or penalties of some law or regulation.