In English public law. An annual sum granted by parliament, at the commencement of each reign, for the expense of the royal household and establishment as distinguished from the general exigencies of the state, being a provision made for the crown out of the taxes in lien of its proper patrimony, and in consideration of the assignment of that patrimony to the public use. 2 Steph. Comm. 591; 1 Bl. Comm. 332.