dɪsˈpætʃ v. & n. (also despatch) --v.tr. 1
send off to a
destination or
for a
purpose (dispatched
him with the message). 2
perform (business, a
task, etc.) promptly;
finish off. 3
kill,
execute (dispatched him with the revolver). 4 colloq.
eat (food, a meal, etc.) quickly. --n. 1 the
act or an
instance of sending (a
messenger,
letter, etc.). 2 the act or an instance of
killing;
execution. 3 a an
official written message on
State or
esp.
military affairs. b a
report sent in by a newspaper's
correspondent, usu.
from a
foreign country. 4 promptness,
efficiency (done with dispatch). ødispatch-box (or -case) a
container for esp. official State or military documents or dispatches. dispatch-rider a
motor cyclist or
rider on
horseback carrying military dispatches. øødispatcher n. [It. dispacciare or
Sp. despachar
expedite (as
DIS-,
It. impacciare
and Sp. empachar hinder, of uncert. orig.)]