What does the cryptic crossword clue "Charge less than the whole meal allowance (3)" mean?

The definition is "Charge". The wordplay uses a deletion. FEE (deletion) = FEE; definition: "Charge" The answer is FEE.

Charge less than the whole meal allowance (3)

Guardian Cryptic #26703 | 25 Across | 2015-10-15 flower