The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tribute \Trib"ute\, n. [OE. tribut, L. tributum, fr. tribuere,
   tributum, to bestow, grant, pay, allot, assign, originally,
   to a tribe, from tribus tribe; cf. F. tribut. See Tribe,
   and cf. Attribute, Contribute.]
   1. An annual or stated sum of money or other valuable thing,
      paid by one ruler or nation to another, either as an
      acknowledgment of submission, or as the price of peace and
      protection, or by virtue of some treaty; as, the Romans
      made their conquered countries pay tribute.
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            Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.
                                                  --C. C.
                                                  Pinckney.
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   2. A personal contribution, as of money, praise, service,
      etc., made in token of services rendered, or as that which
      is due or deserved; as, a tribute of affection.
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            Implores the passing tribute of a sigh. --Gray.
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   3. (Mining) A certain proportion of the ore raised, or of its
      value, given to the miner as his recompense. --Pryce.
      Tomlinson.
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   Tribute money, money paid as a tribute or tax.

   Tribute pitch. (Mining) See under Tributer. [Eng.]
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   Syn: See Subsidy.
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