Definition of: ration

(rash′ən, rā′shən) noun
1. A portion; share.
2. A fixed allowance or portion of food, etc., allotted in time of scarcity.
—emergency ration Portions of canned beef, hardtack, milk chocolate, etc., for use in the field by soldiers.
—v.t.
1. To provide with rations; issue rations to, as an army.
2. To give out or allot in rations, as gasoline, rubber, butter, etc. [<F <L ratio, -onis. Doublet of RATIO, REASON.]
—ra′tion·ing noun