n. & v.
--n.
1. a fixed official allowance of food, clothing, etc., in a time of shortage.
2 (foll. by of) a single portion of provisions, fuel, clothing, etc.
3 (usu. in pl.) a fixed daily allowance of food, esp. in the armed forces (and formerly of forage for animals).
4 (in pl.) provisions.
--v.tr.
1. limit (persons or provisions) to a fixed ration.
2 (usu. foll. by out) share out (food etc.) in fixed quantities.
Phrases and idioms:
given out with the rations Mil. sl. awarded without regard to merit. ration book (or card) a document entitling the holder to a ration.
Etymology: F f. It. razione or Sp. raci{oacute}n f. L ratio -onis reckoning, RATIO