dole: Meaning and Definition of

dole

1. a portion or allotment of money, food, etc., esp. as given at regular intervals by a charity or for maintenance.
2. a dealing out or distributing, esp. in charity.
3. a form of payment to the unemployed instituted by the British government in 1918.
4. any similar payment by a government to an unemployed person.
5. one's fate or destiny.
6. receiving payment from the government, as relief: They couldn't afford any luxuries while living on the dole.

1. to distribute in charity.
2. to give out sparingly or in small quantities (usually fol. by out): The last of the water was doled out to the thirsty crew.

dole

1. grief or sorrow; lamentation.

Dole

1. born 1923, U.S. politician: senator since 1969.
2. 1844–1926, U.S. politician and jurist in Hawaii: president of Republic of Hawaii 1894–98; first territorial governor 1900–03.