Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.
                                                  --C. C.
                                                  Pinckney.

   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.

            Implores the passing tribute of a sigh. --Gray.

   3. (Mining) A certain proportion of the ore raised, or of its
      value, given to the miner as his recompense. --Pryce.
      Tomlinson.

   {Tribute money}, money paid as a tribute or tax.

   {Tribute pitch}. (Mining) See under {Tributer}. [Eng.]

   Syn: See {Subsidy}.

Tribute \Trib"ute\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tributed}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Tributing}.]
   To pay as tribute. [R.] --Whitlock (1654).

Source : WordNet®

tribute
     n 1: something given or done as an expression of esteem [syn: {testimonial}]
     2: payment by one nation for protection by another
     3: payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence; "every
        store in the neighborhood had to pay him protection" [syn:
         {protection}]