The smoky spray seemed to trap whatever light there was and to dispense it subtly.

While you dispense the laws, and guide the state.

Of evils the first and greatest is, that hereby a most absurd and rash imputation is fixt upon God and his holy Laws, of conniving and dispensing with open and common adultery among his chosen people; a thing which the rankest politician would think it shame and disworship, that his Laws should countenance; how and in what manner this comes to passe, I shall reserve, till the course of method brings on the unfolding of many Scriptures.

1779–81, Samuel Johnson, "Richard Savage" in Lives of the Most Eminent English Poet
He appeared to think himself born to be supported by others, and dispensed from all necessity of providing for himself.

Dispense

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