Definition of dole out

The phrase "dole out" comes from the Middle English word "dole," which originally meant "a share, portion, or allowance, especially to relieve poverty or distress." The word "dole" may have derived from the Old Norse "dalr," which meant "valley," as medieval English landowners would often distribute land and resources in the form of shares, allowing impoverished farm workers to cultivate small portions of land in exchange for a portion of their harvest or rent. The word "dole out" as a phrasal verb meaning "to dispense or distribute in portions" or "to give out in small amounts" first appeared in the late 19th century. It gained momentum during the Victorian era, during which time the term "dole" came to be associated with government handouts to the poor. Over time, the meaning of "dole out" has broadened to include a range of activities, including allocating or apportioning work, duties, or favors, but what remains constant is the sense of allocating resources or items in a measured or portioned manner. So whether it's distributing food, gifts, or praise, it's likely that at some point in its history, someone has been said to "dole it out."