Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To scatter abroad; to drive to different parts; to distribute; to diffuse; to spread; as, the Jews are dispersed among all nations.

2. (v. t.) To scatter, so as to cause to vanish; to dissipate; as, to disperse vapors.

3. (v. i.) To separate; to go or move into different parts; to vanish; as, the company dispersed at ten o'clock; the clouds disperse.

4. (v. i.) To distribute wealth; to share one's abundance with others.