n. An allowance of means of subsistence for a fixed period of time; specifically, in the army and navy, an allotment or apportionment of provisions for daily consumption to each officer and man, or of forage for each horse.n. Any stated or fixed amount or quantity dealt out; an allowance or allotment.To supply with rations; provision.To divide into rations; distribute or apportion in rations.n. In stock-feeding, the sum of food regularly supplied to an animal, usually the amount per day.