- on the dole
- Dole Dole, n. [AS. d[=a]l portion; same word as d[=ae]l. See
{Deal}.]
1. Distribution; dealing; apportionment.
[1913 Webster]
At her general dole, Each receives his ancient soul. -- Cleveland. [1913 Webster]
2. That which is dealt out; a part, share, or portion also, a scanty share or allowance. [1913 Webster]
3. Alms; charitable gratuity or portion. [1913 Webster]
So sure the dole, so ready at their call, They stood prepared to see the manna fall. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
Heaven has in store a precious dole. --Keble. [1913 Webster]
4. A boundary; a landmark. --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]
5. A void space left in tillage. --[Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]
{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. [1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.