Restrict the consumption of a relatively scarce commodity, as during war

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Rationing is a 1944 film starring Wallace Beery and featuring Marjorie Main . The screen comedy was directed by Willis Goldbeck .

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Word definitions in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
noun COLLOCATIONS FROM CORPUS ■ NOUN credit ▪ To avoid this, credit rationing would have to extend to all institutions. ▪ If credit rationing has been in force, then a relaxation of controls will increase borrowing and spending. ▪ They may thus find ways ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"restriction to limited allotments," 1865, verbal noun from ration (v.). Specifically of restrictions during wartime from 1917, from conditions in England during World War I.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 A ration. 2 Controlled distribution of scarce resources such as food or fuel; used typically in wartime. vb. (present participle of ration English)

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the act of rationing; "during the war the government imposed rationing of food and gasoline"