\Do*na"tion\, n. [L. donatio; cf. F. donation.]
1. The act of giving or bestowing; a grant.
         After donation there an absolute change and
         alienation of the property of the thing given.
   --South.
2. That which is given as a present; that which is
   transferred to another gratuitously; a gift.
         And some donation freely to estate On the bless'd
         lovers.                               --Shak.
3. (Law) The act or contract by which a person voluntarily
   transfers the title to a thing of which be is the owner,
   from himself to another, without any consideration, as a
   free gift. --Bouvier.
{Donation party}, a party assembled at the house of some one,
   as of a clergyman, each one bringing some present. [U.S.]
   --Bartlett.
Syn: Gift; present; benefaction; grant. See {Gift}.