Dole, n.
1. Distribution; dealing; apportionment.
At her general dole,
Each receives his ancient soul. -- Cleveland.
2. That which is dealt out; a part, share, or portion also, a scanty share or allowance.
3. Alms; charitable gratuity or portion.
So sure the dole, so ready at their call,
They stood prepared to see the manna fall. --Dryden.
Heaven has in store a precious dole. --Keble.
4. A boundary; a landmark.
5. A void space left in tillage.
Dole beer, beer bestowed as alms. [Obs.]
Dole bread, bread bestowed as alms. [Obs.]
Dole meadow, a meadow in which several persons have a common right or share.
on the dole, receiving financial assistance from a governmental agency, such as a welfare agency; as, after his unemployment benefits ran out, his family was on the dole for a year.