Tribute

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French tribut, from Latin tributum ("tribute, literally 'a thing contributed or paid'"), neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere ("to assign, allot, grant, give, bestow, etc."), usually derived, from tribus ("tribe"); see tribe.

Full definition of tribute

Noun

1. An acknowledgment of gratitude, respect or admiration; an accompanying gift.Please accept this as a tribute of our thanks.
• Graythe passing tribute of a sigh
2. A payment made by one nation to another in submission.The Ancient Romans made their conquered countries pay tribute.
3. Extortion; protection money.
4. A payment made by a feudal vassal to his lord.
5. (mining) A certain proportion of the mined ore, or of its value, given to the miner as payment.

Synonyms

• heriot

Related terms

• tribe
• tribal

Verb

1. (transitive) To pay as tribute.