1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a a regular payment made by a government to people above a specified age, to widows, or to the disabled. b similar payments made by an employer etc. on the retirement of an employee.
2 a a pension paid to a scientist, artist, etc. for services to the state, or to fund work. b any pension paid esp. by a government on charitable grounds.
--v.tr.
1. grant a pension to.
2 bribe with a pension.
Phrases and idioms:
pension off
1. dismiss with a pension.
2 cease to employ or use.
Derivatives:
pensionless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L pensio -onis payment f. pendere pens- pay 2. n. a European, esp. French, boarding-house providing full or half board at a fixed rate.
Phrases and idioms:
en pension as a boarder.
Etymology: F: see PENSION(1)