Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Revenue \Rev"e*nue\, n. [F. revenu, OF. revenue, fr. revenir to
   return, L. revenire; pref. re- re- + venire to come. See
   {Come}.]
   1. That which returns, or comes back, from an investment; the
      annual rents, profits, interest, or issues of any species
      of property, real or personal; income.

            Do not anticipate your revenues and live upon air
            till you know what you are worth.     --Gray.

   2. Hence, return; reward; as, a revenue of praise.

   3. The annual yield of taxes, excise, customs, duties, rents,
      etc., which a nation, state, or municipality collects and
      receives into the treasury for public use.

   {Revenue cutter}, an armed government vessel employed to
      enforce revenue laws, prevent smuggling, etc.