Resource (rsrs), n.
Etymology: [F. ressource, fr. OF. ressourdre, resourdre, to spring forth or up again; pref. re- re- + sourdre to spring forth. See Source.]
1. That to which one resorts orr on which one depends for supply or support; means of overcoming a difficulty; resort; expedient. Threat'nings mixed with prayers, his last resource. Dryden.
2. pl.
Pecuniary means; funds; money, or any property that can be converted into supplies; available means or capabilities of any kind. Scotland by no means escaped the fate ordained for every country which is connected, but not incorporated, with another country of greater resources. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Expedient; resort; means; contrivance.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for resource; he lists it under alternative.
Where he writes about it:
A choice, pick, election, or preference is that which suits one best; an alternative is that to which one is restricted; a resource, that to which one is glad to betake oneself. — from alternative