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