Middle English Dictionary Entry
dispensǒur, -er, -ar n.
Entry Info
| Forms | dispensǒur, -er, -ar n. Also despenser. |
| Etymology | OF despensëor, dis-. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) One in charge of the distribution or administration of goods or services; steward (of a household), treasurer (of a city), minister (of God); (b) as surname.
Associated quotations
a
- a1425(a1400) Paul.Epist.(Corp-C 32)Rom.16.23 : Erastes, þe dispensor [L archarius] of þe cytee..gretys ȝow.
- a1425(a1400) Paul.Epist.(Corp-C 32)1 Cor.4.2 : Who be founde trewe among dispensarys [L dispensatores]?
- a1425(a1400) Paul.Epist.(Corp-C 32)Tit.1.7 : It byhouys þe byschop to be with oute crime as a dispensare of god.
- a1425 Wycl.Serm.(Bod 788)2.229 : Gesse us as mynystris of God, and dispensers of his servises..Many prelatis..to-day..ben þe fendis servauntis and dispensours of his tresoure..Men axe þat a man be found trewe amongis dispensours of an house.
- ?a1425(c1400) Mandev.(1) (Tit C.16)81/22 : Helizeus Damascus..was ȝoman & despenser of Abraham.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)171 : Thus j hadde maad my preyere to hire that is dispensere to grace.
- c1450 Spec.Chr.(2) (Hrl 6580)230/12 : A preste owe to be..a true stuard or dispensour, and not a wastour, piteuos in doome, rightful in consel.
- (1451) Capgr.St.Gilb.(Add 36704)91/6 : He myth ek mor lefully be a dispenser of þoo worldly goodis rather þan a-noþir man.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)191/3 : Adam of Stanwell, dispensare.
b
- [ (1166) in Pipe R.Soc.946 : Willielmus Dispensarius de Cumtona. ]
- [ (a1199) CRR(2) 12 : Baldwinus le Despensier. ]
- (c1200) Chart.St.Paul in RHS ser.3.58198 : Ricardus dispenser.
- (1303) Feudal Aids 235 : Hugo Despensar.
- c1325(c1300) Glo.Chron.A (Clg A.11)11720 : Sir hue þe despencer, þe noble iustise.