to send off or away with speed, as a messenger, telegram, body of troops, etc.
to dismiss (a person), as after an audience.
to put to death; kill:The spy was promptly dispatched.
to transact or dispose of (a matter) promptly or speedily.
v.i.
[Archaic.]to hasten; be quick.
n.
the sending off of a messenger, letter, etc., to a destination.
the act of putting to death; killing; execution.
prompt or speedy transaction, as of business.
expeditious performance; promptness or speed:Proceed with all possible dispatch.
Business[Com.]
a method of effecting a speedy delivery of goods, money, etc.
a conveyance or organization for the expeditious transmission of goods, money, etc.
a written message sent with speed.
an official communication sent by special messenger.
Journalisma news story transmitted to a newspaper, wire service, or the like, by one of its reporters, or by a wire service to a newspaper or other news agency.
British Terms, Idiomsmentioned in dispatches, honored by being named in official military reports for special bravery or acts of service.
Also, despatch.
Late Latin -pedicāre to shackle; see impeach
Old French despeechier to unshackle, equivalent. to des-dis-1 + -peechier
Spanish despachar both ultimately
Italian dispacciare to hasten, speed, or
1510–20
9.See corresponding entry in Unabridged rapidity, haste, alacrity, celerity.
to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task
to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc) promptly
to eat up quickly
to murder or execute
the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc
prompt action or speed (often in the phrase with dispatch)
an official communication or report, sent in haste
a report sent to a newspaper, etc, by a correspondent
murder or execution
Etymology: 16th Century: from Italian dispacciare, from Provençal despachar, from Old French despeechier to set free, from des-dis-1 + -peechier, ultimately from Latin pedica a fetterdisˈpatcher
Forum discussions with the word(s) "happy dispatch" in the title: