ˈræʃən n. & v. --n. 1 a fixed
official allowance of
food,
clothing,
etc., in a
time of
shortage. 2 (foll. by of) a
single portion of provisions,
fuel, clothing, etc. 3 (usu. in pl.) a fixed
daily allowance of food,
esp. in
the armed forces (and
formerly of
forage for animals). 4 (in pl.) provisions. --v.tr. 1
limit (persons or provisions) to a fixed ration. 2 (usu. foll. by out) share
out (food etc.) in fixed quantities. øgiven out
with the rations
Mil. sl. awarded
without regard to
merit. ration
book (or card) a
document entitling the
holder to a ration. [F f.
It. razione or
Sp. raci×n f. L
ratio -onis
reckoning, RATIO]