Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Retribute \Re*trib"ute\, v. t. [L. retributus, p. p.
   ofretribuere to retribute; pref re- + tribuere to bestow,
   assign, pay. See {Tribute}.]
   To pay back; to give in return, as payment, reward, or
   punishment; to requite; as, to retribute one for his
   kindness; to retribute just punishment to a criminal. [Obs.
   or R.] --Locke.