n. & v.
--n.
1. the amount of money needed or available (for a specific item etc.) (a budget of {pound}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 {pound}60).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
budgetary adj.
Etymology: ME pouch, f. OF bougette dimin. of bouge leather bag f. L bulga (f. Gaulish) knapsack: cf. BULGE