tribute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something given or done as an expression of esteem
    testimonial.
  2. noun payment by one nation for protection by another
  3. noun payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence
    protection.
    • every store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection

WordNet

Trib"ute noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  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. Syn. -- See Subsidy.
Trib"ute intransitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Tributed; present participle & verbal noun Tributing
Definitions
  1. To pay as tribute. R. Whitlock (1654).

Webster 1913