on the dole
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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
Idiom: 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.
on the dole
Receiving regular relief payments from or as if from the government.
dole 2
(dōl)n. Archaic
Sorrow; grief; dolor.
[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.
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