Main Entry:

trib·ute

Pronunciation:

\ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt, -byət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English tribut, from Latin tributum, from neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere to allot, bestow, grant, pay, from tribus tribe

Date:

14th century

1 a: a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection ; also : the tax levied for such a payment b (1): an excessive tax, rental, or tariff imposed by a government, sovereign, lord, or landlord (2): an exorbitant charge levied by a person or group having the power of coercion c: the liability to pay tribute2 a: something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved ; especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection <a floral tribute> b: something (as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question <the design is a tribute to his ingenuity>

synonyms see encomium