[ra.tion] n [F, fr. L ration-, ratio computation, reason] (ca. 1711) 1 a: a food allowance for one day b pl: food, provisions
2: a share esp. as determined by supply
[2]ration vt ra.tioned ; ra.tion.ing (1859) 1: to supply with or put on rations
2. a: to distribute as rations--often used with out b: to distribute equitably c: to use sparingly