Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Subvention \Sub*ven"tion\, n. [F., fr. LL. subventio, fr. L.
   subvenire to come up to one's assistance, to assist. See
   {Souvenir}, and cf. {Subvene}.]
   1. The act of coming under. ``The subvention of a cloud.''
      --Stackhouse.

   2. The act of relieving, as of a burden; support; aid;
      assistance; help.

   3. A government aid or bounty.

Subvention \Sub*ven"tion\, v. t.
   To subventionize.

Source : WordNet®

subvention
     n 1: grant of financial aid as from a government to an
          educational institution
     2: the act or process of providing aid or help of any sort
     v : guarantee financial support of; "The opera tour was
         subvented by a bank" [syn: {underwrite}, {subvent}]