Lewis & Short

dispensātĭo, ōnis, f. [dispenso].

  1. I. Economical management, charge, direction, superintendence.
    1. A. Lit.: aerarii, Cic. Vatin. 15, 36.
    2. B. Transf.: annonae, Liv. 10, 11; cf. id. 4, 12 fin.: est autem in eximendis favis necessaria dispensatio, Plin. 11, 14, 14, § 35; Front. Aquaed. 78 fin.
  2. II. The office of a dispensator, management, administratorship, stewardship, διοίκησις, Cic. Rab. Post. 10, 28; id. Att. 15, 15, 3; Suet. Oth. 5; Inscr. Orell. 834; Vulg. 1 Cor. 9, 17.