1. The act or an instance of giving something away, especially the appropriation of natural resources or public lands for private gain.
2. Something given away at no charge, especially a premium.
3. Something that accidentally exposes or betrays.
4. A radio or television program on which prizes are given away to contestants.
5. Legislation, such as a tax law, that benefits only one segment of the population.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.