The term 'doles (out)' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: 'metes' (5 letters), 'RATIONS' (7 letters), and 'allots' (6 letters). Metes is a verb meaning to divide or measure out, while RATIONS are a fixed allowance of provisions or supplies. Allots is a verb meaning to assign or distribute. Together, these words describe the act of dividing, assigning, and distributing a fixed allowance of provisions or supplies.