/doh nay"sheuhn/ , n.
1. an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution.
2. a gift, as to a fund; contribution.
[ 1375-1425, for an earlier sense; late ME donation- (s. of donatio ), equiv. to donat ( us ), ptp. of donare to give ( don-, s. of donum gift, + -atus -ATE 1 ) + -ion- -ION ]
Syn. 2. offering, benefaction, gratuity. See present .