subsistence allowance: Meaning and Definition of

subsist'ence allow"ance

1. money given in advance to a new soldier, employee, etc., to buy food, clothing, and pay for other necessities while awaiting a first pay.
2. money paid a worker in addition to salary to cover expenses that may be incurred in the performance of the job.
3. money paid to members of the armed forces in lieu of meals; an allowance for food.