- money given in advance to a new soldier, employee, etc., to buy food, clothing, and pay for other necessities while awaiting a first pay.
- money paid a worker in addition to salary to cover expenses that may be incurred in the performance of the job.
- money paid to members of the armed forces in lieu of meals; an allowance for food.
- an advance paid to an employee before his pay begins
- a payment to an employee to reimburse expenses, as while on assignments
