n. & v.
--n.
1. an amount or sum allowed to a person, esp. regularly for a stated purpose.
2 an amount allowed in reckoning.
3 a deduction or discount (an allowance on your old cooker).
4 (foll. by of) tolerance of.
--v.tr.
1. make an allowance to (a person).
2 supply in limited quantities.
Phrases and idioms:
make allowances (often foll. by for)
1. take into consideration (mitigating circumstances) (made allowances for his demented state).
2 look with tolerance upon, make excuses for (a person, bad behaviour, etc.).
Etymology: ME f. OF alouance (as ALLOW)