I. ˈrashən, ˈrāsh- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Latin ration-, ratio reason, computation, reasoning — more at reason
1. archaic : ratio
2.
a. : the food allowance of one person or one animal for one day ; specifically : a fixed daily food allowance provided for the subsistence of a soldier or sailor — compare field ration , k ration
b. rations plural : food , provisions
cooked two days' rations — G.R.Stewart
issued rations to the needy — American Guide Series: Florida
3. : a share especially as determined by supply : allotted or permitted amount
a reduction of the wartime meat ration
saved up their gas ration to go on a short motor trip — MacKinlay Kantor
pouring the whiskey, a neat two fingers, obviously a ration — Margery Allingham
II. transitive verb
( rationed ; rationed ; rationing -sh(ə)niŋ ; rations )
1. : to supply with rations : put on rations
ration the inhabitants of a besieged city
the Food Administration did not ration the people — Will Irwin
2.
a. : to distribute as rations : allot in rations
ration sugar during the emergency
rationed out beef, pork, and flour, often to hundreds — American Guide Series: Minnesota
b. : to distribute or divide (as commodities in short supply) in an equitable manner or so as to achieve a particular object (as maximum production of particular items) — compare direct control
c. : to use or indulge in sparingly
an official communiqué in which words were strictly rationed — Time
Synonyms: see apportion