dispensation

/ˌdɪspənˈseɪʃən/
noun
  1. Special permission to break a rule or do something that is usually not allowed, especially in a religious or legal context.
    • The school gave a dispensation for the student to miss the exam due to illness.
    • The priest granted him a dispensation to marry during Lent.
    • Without a special dispensation from the city, you cannot build that structure.
  2. The act of distributing or giving out something, especially supplies or benefits.
    • The dispensation of food and water to the refugees was well organized.
    • The dispensation of justice is a key role of the courts.
    • The charity is responsible for the dispensation of funds to local projects.
  3. A system of rules or a period of time in history considered as a distinct order or arrangement, especially in religious thought.
    • The old dispensation of strict laws was replaced by a more flexible system.
    • Some Christians believe we are living in the dispensation of grace.
    • Historians often refer to the feudal dispensation in medieval Europe.
What does "dispensation" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean