allotment
UK: əˈlɒtmənt | US: əˈlɑːtmənt
n. 1. The act of allotting or distributing something.
n. 2. A portion of land assigned to an individual, especially for cultivation.
n. 3. A share or portion granted or assigned.
The word "allotment" traces back to the 16th century, combining "allot" (to assign) with the suffix "-ment." "Allot" itself merges the prefix al- (a variant of "ad-," meaning "to") with "lot," reflecting the ancient practice of distributing land or resources by drawing lots. The suffix "-ment" formalizes the concept into a noun, emphasizing the result of allocation. The term evolved to specifically denote small plots of land leased for gardening in British English.
The committee approved the allotment of funds for the new project.
She tends her vegetable garden on a small allotment outside the city.
Each employee received an equal allotment of company shares.
The land was divided into allotments for local farmers.
His allotment of time for the task was insufficient.