rations

ra·tion  (rshn, rshn)

n.

1. A fixed portion, especially an amount of food allotted to persons in military service or to civilians in times of scarcity.

2. rations Food issued or available to members of a group.

tr.v. ra·tioned, ra·tion·ing, ra·tions

1. To supply with rations.

2. To distribute as rations: rationed out flour and sugar. See Synonyms at distribute.

3. To restrict to limited allotments, as during wartime.

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[French, from Latin rati, ratin-, calculation; see ratio.]

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rations [ˈræʃənz]

pl n

(sometimes singular) a fixed daily allowance of food, esp to military personnel or when supplies are limited See also iron rations