- dispatch
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/di spach"/, v.t.1. to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.2. to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.3. to put to death; kill: The spy was promptly dispatched.4. to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.v.i.5. Archaic. to hasten; be quick.n.6. the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.7. the act of putting to death; killing; execution.8. prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.9. expeditious performance; promptness or speed: Proceed with all possible dispatch.10. Com.a. a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.b. a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.11. a written message sent with speed.12. an official communication sent by special messenger.13. Journalism. a news story transmitted to a newspaper, wire service, or the like, by one of its reporters, or by a wire service to a newspaper or other news agency.14. mentioned in dispatches, Brit. honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.Also, despatch.[1510-20; < It dispacciare to hasten, speed, or < Sp despachar both ult. < OF despeechier to unshackle, equiv. to des- DIS-1 + -peechier < LL -pedicare to shackle; see IMPEACH]Syn. 9. rapidity, haste, alacrity, celerity.
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Universalium. 2010.