What is "mete out"

vb. To distribute something in portions; to apportion or dole out

v. administer or bestow, as in small portions; "administer critical remarks to everyone present"; "dole out some money"; "shell out pocket money for the children"; "deal a blow to someone" [syn: distribute, administer, deal, parcel out, lot, dispense, shell out, deal out, dish out, allot, dole out]