RATION


Meaning of RATION in English

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

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.