dole¹ (dōl)
n.

1. Charitable dispensation of goods, especially money, food, or clothing.
2. A share of money, food, or clothing that has been charitably given.
3. Chiefly British. The distribution by the government of relief payments to the unemployed; welfare.
4. Archaic. One's fate.

tr.v., doled, dol·ing, doles.

1. To dispense as charity.
2. To give out in small portions; distribute sparingly. See synonyms at distribute.

idiom:

on the dole

1. Receiving regular relief payments from or as if from the government.

[Middle English dol, part, share, from Old English dāl.]

dole² (dōl)
n. Archaic
Sorrow; grief; dolor.

[Middle English dol, from Old French dol, deul, from Late Latin dolus, from Latin dolēre, to feel pain, grieve.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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