Definition of: allot

(ə·lot′) v.t. al·lot·ted, al·lot·ting
1. To assign by lot; distribute so that the recipients have no choice: to allot duties.
2. To apportion or assign, as to a special function, person, or place: with to: to allot ten years to the acquisition of knowledge. [<OF aloter <a- to (<L ad-) + lot. See LOT.] Synonyms: appoint, apportion, assign, award, destine, distribute, divide, give, grant, select. Allot applies to the giving of a definite thing; a portion or extent of time or space is allotted. Appoint may be used of time, space, or person; as the appointed day; the appointed place; an officer was appointed to this station. Destine fixes or assumes to fix what is considerably in the future; as, he destines his son to follow his own profession. Assign is rarely used of time, but rather of places, persons, or things. That which is alloted, appointed, or assigned is more or less arbitrary; that which is awarded is the due return for something the receiver has done, and he has right and claim to it, as, the medal was awarded for valor. Antonyms: appropriate, confiscate, deny, refuse, resume, retain, seize, withhold.