Definition of allowance

The word "allowance" has its roots in Old French and Latin. In the 14th century, the French word "allowance" referred to the act of allowing or permitting something to happen or exist. This term was borrowed into Middle English as "allowaunce," meaning a permission or consent. In the 16th century, the meaning of "allowance" expanded to include a grant or authorization, often in the context of finance. For example, an allowance might refer to a specific amount of money granted to someone for a particular purpose. By the 19th century, the term "allowance" had taken on a more modern connotation, referring to a regular payment or grant made to someone, such as a child's weekly pocket money. Today, the word "allowance" is widely used in a variety of contexts to refer to permissions, grants, or payments.