Definition of: allowance

(ə·lou′əns) noun
1. An allowing or being allowed.
2. That which is allowed.
3. A limited amount or portion, as of an income or food, granted at regular intervals.
4. A sum or item put to one's credit in a transaction, as in consideration of the exchange of the used article or a purchase in volume; discount: The dealer will give you an allowance on your old car.
5. A difference permitted in excess or abatement, as of a specification: to make allowances for haste.
6. Obs. Acknowledgment. See synonyms under PERMISSION, SALARY, SUBSIDY.
— v.t. ·anced, ·anc·ing
1. To put on an allowance; limit to a regular amount.
2. To supply in limited or meager quantities.