n. [ L. desponsatio: cf. OF. desponsation. ] A betrothing; betrothal. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

For all this desponsation of her . . . she had not set one step toward the consummation of her marriage. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. dispensation, L. dispensatio. ] 1. The act of dispensing or dealing out; distribution; often used of the distribution of good and evil by God to man, or more generically, of the acts and modes of his administration. [ 1913 Webster ]

To respect the dispensations of Providence. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is dispensed, dealt out, or appointed; that which is enjoined or bestowed; especially (Theol.), A system of principles, promises, and rules ordained and administered; scheme; economy; as, the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian dispensations. [ 1913 Webster ]

Neither are God's methods or intentions different in his dispensations to each private man. Rogers. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The relaxation of a law in a particular case; permission to do something forbidden, or to omit doing something enjoined; specifically, in the Roman Catholic Church, exemption from some ecclesiastical law or obligation to God which a man has incurred of his own free will (oaths, vows, etc.). [ 1913 Webster ]

A dispensation was obtained to enable Dr. Barrow to marry. Ward. [ 1913 Webster ]