noun

1. a fixed portion; share; allowance
2. a fixed allowance or allotment of food or provisions, esp. a fixed daily allowance, as for a soldier
3. food or food supply, as for soldiers, explorers, etc.

Etymology: MFr < ML ratio, ration < L, a reckoning: see reason

transitive verb

1. to supply with a ration or rations
2. to distribute (food, clothing, etc.) in rations, as in times of scarcity