tribute

Etymology

PIE word *tréyes From Middle English [Term?], from Old French tribut, from Latin tributum (“tribute”, literally “a thing contributed or paid”), neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuō (“to assign, allot”), usually derived from tribus (“tribe”). See tribe.

noun

1. An acknowledgment of gratitude, respect or admiration; an accompanying gift.
   Please accept this as a tribute of our thanks.
   the passing tribute of a sigh
   1. An homage made in a body of work to another work or creator.
      Did you catch the Up in Smoke tribute in that episode of That '70s Show?
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.
   The setting of a Copper Mine upon tribute , has this difference : the Tributor is at the sole expence of digging , raising , and dressing , all the Ore that can be made merchantable 1778, William Pryce, Mineralogia Cornubiensis: A Treatise on Minerals, Mines, and Mining[…]
   1852-1866, Charles Tomlinson, Cyclopaedia of Useful Arts and Manufactures Tut-work is also employed upon the lode itself, though from the advantages generally considered to arise from the tribute system […]

verb

1. (transitive) To pay as tribute.
   Amorous Trifler, that spendeth[…]his Afternoones in discourse with Paint, or Lust, tributing most precious Minutes, to the Scepter of a Fanne. 1654, Richard Whitlock, Zootomia