verb
also Brit despatch -patches; -patched; -patching
[+ obj] to send (someone or something) quickly to a particular place for a particular purpose
to defeat (a person or team) in a game, contest, etc.
old-fashioned :to kill (a person or animal) quickly
noun
also Brit despatch , pl -patches
[count] :an important official message
In British English, a soldier who is mentioned in dispatches is noted for bravery.
[noncount] somewhat formal :the act of sending someone or something to a particular place for a particular purpose
[count] :a news story that a reporter sends to a newspaper usually from a foreign country
with dispatch
formal :in a quick and efficient way