əˈlau v. 1 tr.
permit (a
practice, a
person to do
something, a
thing to
happen, etc.) (smoking is
not allowed; we allowed
them to speak). 2 tr.
give or
provide; permit (a person) to
have (a
limited quantity or sum) (we
were allowed ø500 a year). 3 tr. provide or set
aside for a
purpose;
add or
deduct in
consideration of something (allow 10% for inflation). 4 tr. a
admit,
agree,
concede (he allowed
that it
was so; 'You
know best,' he allowed). b US
state; be of
the opinion. 5 refl. permit
oneself,
indulge oneself in (conduct) (allowed
herself to be persuaded; allowed
myself a
few angry words). 6 intr. (foll. by of) admit
of. 7 intr. (foll. by for)
take into consideration or
account;
make addition or
deduction corresponding to (allowing for wastage). øøallowable adj. allowably adv. [ME, orig. = 'praise', f. OF alouer f. L allaudare to
praise,
and med.L allocare to place]