1. (v. t.) To dispose of speedily, as business; to execute quickly; to make a speedy end of; to finish; to perform.

2. (v. t.) To rid; to free.

3. (v. t.) To get rid of by sending off; to send away hastily.

4. (v. t.) To send off or away; -- particularly applied to sending off messengers, messages, letters, etc., on special business, and implying haste.

5. (v. t.) To send out of the world; to put to death.

6. (v. i.) To make haste; to conclude an affair; to finish a matter of business.

7. (n.) The act of sending a message or messenger in haste or on important business.

8. (v. t.) Any sending away; dismissal; riddance.

9. (n.) The finishing up of a business; speedy performance, as of business; prompt execution; diligence; haste.

10. (n.) A message dispatched or sent with speed; especially, an important official letter sent from one public officer to another; -- often used in the plural; as, a messenger has arrived with dispatches for the American minister; naval or military dispatches.

11. (n.) A message transmitted by telegraph.