allowance
1. al.low.ance \*-'lau.-*n(t)s\ n 1a: a share or portion allotted or granted 1b: a sum granted as a reimbursement or bounty or for expenses 2: HANDICAP 3: an allowed dimensional difference between mating parts of a machine 4: the act of allowing : PERMISSION 5: the taking into account of mitigating circumstances or contingencies 2. allowance vt 1: to put upon a fixed allowance 2: to supply in a fixed or regular quantity