dispensation

/ˈdɪspənˌseɪʃən/

Other forms: dispensations

The act of giving or portioning something out is called dispensation. Your teacher will have a hard time with the dispensation of biology textbooks if there aren't enough copies for everyone in the class.

The Latin root word of dispensation is dispensare, which means to disburse or administer. Doctors and pharmacists commonly talk about the dispensation of prescription medication. Another meaning of dispensation is an exemption from a rule. Your teacher might give you a dispensation to take the algebra final at a later date if you're sick on the scheduled day, for example.

Definitions of dispensation

1. noun

   the act of dispensing (giving out in portions)
   type of:

   distribution

   the act of distributing or spreading or apportioning
2. noun

   a share that has been dispensed or distributed
   type of:

   part, percentage, portion, share

   assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group
3. noun

   an exemption from some rule or obligation
   types:

   variance

   an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)

   type of:

   licence, license, permission, permit

   the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization