dole out

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group.

distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.