what does "dispatched" actually mean?

I wasn't sure which section to post this in so if im in the wrong bit please move me.

I ordered the new ipad on the 14th march on Apple store, using thier finance..erm..thing.. and it originally gave me a 2-3 week wait (sometime around 11th april) the finance bit has all been set up and the estimated delivery changed to 1-2 week (27th march - 3rd april), then i got an email wednesday saying they could dispatch it earlier than anticipated ("your new ipad will be ready to dispatch on 2nd april"). Now what i'd like to know is when the say "dispatched" does that mean "leaves the depot"? or that it'll actually arrive at my door then? i was just curious as i was kinda hoping to get it before the easter weekend, as ive booked a couple of extra days off either side, so would be nice to have it to fiddle with over easter?

does anyone who has bought from Apple before (its my first time) know what Apples wording actually means please?

thank you kindly in advance!