DOLE
Dole, n. Etym: [AS. dal portion; same word as d. See Deal.]
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. Halliwell.
5. A void space left in tillage. [Prov. Eng.] 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.
DOLE
Dole, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Doled; p. pr. & vb. n. Doling.]
Defn: To deal out in small portions; to distribute, as a dole; to deal out scantily or grudgingly. The supercilious condescension with which even his reputed friends doled out their praises to him. De Quincey.
DOLEFUL
Dole"ful, a.
Defn: Full of dole or grief; expressing or exciting sorrow;
sorrowful; sad; dismal.
With screwed face and doleful whine. South.
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades. Milton.