Trib"ute, v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Tributed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Tributing.] To pay as tribute. [R.] Whitlock
(1654).
Trib"ute (?), n. [OE. tribut, L.
tributum, fr. tribuere, tributum, to bestow, grant,
pay, allot, assign, originally, to a tribe, from tribus tribe; cf.
F. tribut. See Tribe, and cf. Attribute,
Contribute.] 1. An annual or stated sum of
money or other valuable thing, paid by one ruler or nation to another,
either as an acknowledgment of submission, or as the price of peace and
protection, or by virtue of some treaty; as, the Romans made their
conquered countries pay tribute.
Millions for defense, but not one cent for
tribute.
C. C. Pinckney.
2. A personal contribution, as of money, praise,
service, etc., made in token of services rendered, or as that which is due
or deserved; as, a tribute of affection.
Implores the passing tribute of a sigh.
Gray.
3. (Mining) A certain proportion of the ore
raised, or of its value, given to the miner as his recompense.
Pryce. Tomlinson.
Tribute money, money paid as a tribute or
tax. -- Tribute pitch. (Mining) See under
Tributer. [Eng.]
Syn. -- See Subsidy.