What is "dole bread"

Dole \Dole\, n. [AS. d[=a]l portion; same word as d[=ae]l. See Deal.]

1. Distribution; dealing; apportionment.

   At her general dole, Each receives his ancient soul. -- Cleveland.

2. That which is dealt out; a part, share, or portion also, a scanty share or allowance.

3. Alms; charitable gratuity or portion.

   So sure the dole, so ready at their call, They stood prepared to see the manna fall.
   --Dryden.

   Heaven has in store a precious dole.
   --Keble.

4. A boundary; a landmark.
   --Halliwell.

5. A void space left in tillage.
   --[Prov. Eng.]

   Dole beer, beer bestowed as alms. [Obs.]

   Dole bread, bread bestowed as alms. [Obs.]

   Dole meadow, a meadow in which several persons have a common right or share.

   on the dole, receiving financial assistance from a governmental agency, such as a welfare agency; as, after his unemployment benefits ran out, his family was on the dole for a year.