1. an exemption from some rule or obligation (Freq. 1) • Derivationally related forms: dispense • Hypernyms: license, permission, permit • Hyponyms: variance 2. a share that has been dispensed or distributed • Derivationally related forms: dispense • Hypernyms: share, portion, part, percentage 3. the act of dispensing (giving out in portions) • Derivationally related forms: dispense • Hypernyms: distribution