'dispenser' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'despenser,' where 'des-' meant 'away' and 'penser' meant 'to weigh or pay out.'

'despenser' transformed into the Middle English word 'dispensour,' and eventually became the modern English word 'dispenser.'

Initially, it meant 'to weigh or pay out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a device or person that dispenses something.'