: an arrangement for providing, receiving, or making use of something of a continuing or periodic nature especially on a prepayment plan: such as
a : a purchase by prepayment for a certain number of regular deliveries of something (such as issues of a periodical) or for a certain period of access to or use of something (such as an online service)
b : application to purchase securities of a new issue
c : a method of offering or presenting a series of public performances
d British : membership dues