Award, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Awarded; p. pr. & vb. n. Awarding.]
Etymology: [OF. eswarder to look at, consider, decide, judge; es (L. ex) + warder, garder, to observe, take heed, keep, fr. OHG. wart to watch, guard. See Ward.]
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant. To review The wrongful sentence, and award a new. Dryden.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Award, v. i.
To determine; to make an ~.
Award, n.
1. A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted."Impatient for the award." Cowper. An award had been given against. Gilpin.
2. The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded. Bouvier.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for award; he lists it under allot.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.