Definition of: tribute

(trib′yt) noun
1. Money or other valuables paid by one state or ruler to another as an acknowledgment of submission or as the price of peace and protection, or by virtue of some treaty; also, the taxes imposed to raise money to make such payment.
2. The obligation or necessity of making such gift or payment; the state of being tributary.
3. Anything given, paid, or rendered as by a subordinate to a superior; figuratively, that which is due to worth, affection, or duty; contribution; tax; gift; offering; meed: I must render my tribute of praise. See synonyms under SUBSIDY, TAX. [<L tributum, neut. of tributus, pp. of tribuere pay, allot]