transitive verb

1. to send off or out promptly, usually on a specific errand or official business
2. to put an end to; kill
3. to finish quickly or promptly
4. Informal to eat up quickly

Etymology: Sp despachar & It dispacciare, to send off, lit., to remove impediments, hence facilitate < OFr despeechier < des- (see dis-) + (em)peechier, to impede < LL impedicare, to entangle < L in-, in + pedica, a shackle < pes, foot

noun

1. a dispatching; sending out or off
2. an act of killing
3. efficient speed; promptness
4. a message, esp. an official message
5. a news story sent to a newspaper or broadcaster, as by a correspondent