on the dole

dole ¹

 (dōl)

n.

1. The distribution by the government of relief payments to the unemployed.

2. A share of money, food, or clothing that has been charitably given: increasing the monthly dole given to poor families.

3. Archaic One's fate.

tr.v. doled, dol·ing, doles

To give out, especially in portions or shares; allot or distribute. Often used with out: The mayor doled out jobs to those who had supported him in the election. See Synonyms at distribute.

Idiom:

on the dole

Receiving regular relief payments from or as if from the government.

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[Middle English dol, part, share, from Old English dāl; see dail- in Indo-European roots.]

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dole ²

 (dōl)

n. Archaic

Sorrow; grief; dolor.

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[Middle English dol, from Old French dol, deul, from Late Latin dolus, from Latin dolēre, to feel pain, grieve.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Translations

arbeitslos