Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DOLE, n. [Sax. dal; Russ. dolia, a part or portion; Ir. dail; from the root of deal. See Deal.]

1. The act of dealing or distributing; as, the power of dole and donative. [Not in use.] – Bacon.
2. That which is dealt or distributed; a part, share or portion. – Shak.
3. That which is given in charity; gratuity. – Dryden.
4. Blows dealt out. – Milton.
5. Boundary. [Not in use.]
6. A void space left in tillage. [Local.]