tribute

[ trib-yoot ]
/ ˈtrɪb yut /

noun

a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.
a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.
a rent, tax, or the like, as that paid by a subject to a sovereign.
any exacted or enforced payment or contribution.
obligation or liability to make such payment.

Origin of tribute

1300–50; Middle English tribut < Latin tribūtum a levied payment, noun use of neuter of past participle of tribuere to assign, allot, derivative of tribus tribe

Example sentences from the Web for tribute

British Dictionary definitions for tribute

tribute
/ (ˈtrɪbjuːt) /

noun

a gift or statement made in acknowledgment, gratitude, or admiration
  1. a payment by one ruler or state to another, usually as an acknowledgment of submission
  2. any tax levied for such a payment
(in feudal society) homage or a payment rendered by a vassal to his lord
the obligation to pay tribute

Word Origin for tribute

C14: from Latin tribūtum, from tribuere to grant (originally: to distribute among the tribes), from tribus tribe