give, bestow

施 is composed of 方 and 㐌, 㐌 depicts a human baby coming from vagina, while 方 depicts a criminal enclosed by a cangue who sent away to another place, which has the meaning of let be. When a baby is born, it can be seen as the life of the baby is given by its mother, and the baby is allowed to contact the outside world, so 施 has the meaning of giving, granting and bestowing.