n. & v.
n. 1 the amount of money needed or available (for a specific item etc.) (a budget of $200; mustn't exceed the budget). 2 a (the Budget) Brit. the usu. annual estimate of national revenue and expenditure. b an estimate or plan of expenditure in relation to income. c a private person's or family's similar estimate. 3 (attrib.) inexpensive. 4 archaic a quantity of material etc., esp. written or printed.
v.tr. & intr. (budgeted, budgeting) (often foll. by for) allow or arrange for in a budget (have budgeted for a new car; can budget $60). budget account (or plan) a bank account, or account with a store, into which one makes regular, usu. monthly, payments to cover bills. on a budget avoiding expense; cheap. budgetary adj.
[ ME = pouch, f. OF bougette dimin. of bouge leather bag f. L bulga (f. Gaulish) knapsack: cf. BULGE ]