PENSION

n. & v. --n. 1 a a regular payment made by a government to people above a specified age, to widows, or to the disabled. b similar payments made by an employer etc. on the retirement of an employee. 2 a a pension paid to a scientist, artist, etc. for services to the state, or to fund work. b any pension paid esp. by a government on charitable grounds. --v.tr. 1 grant a pension to. 2 bribe with a pension. øpension off 1 dismiss with a pension. 2 cease to employ or use. øøpensionless adj. [ME f. OF f. L pensio -onis payment f. pendere pens- pay]