dole
I. 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 Receiving regular relief payments from or as if from the government. [Middle English dol, part, share, from Old English dāl. See dail- in Indo-European Roots.] II. 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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