Dole, n.
 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.
 5. A void space left in tillage.
 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.