Dis*trib"ute (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distributed; p. pr. & vb. n. Distributing.] [L. distributus, p. p. of distribuere to divide, distribute; dis- + tribuere to assign, give, allot. See Tribute.]
1.
To divide among several or many; to deal out; to apportion; to allot.
She did distribute her goods to all them that were nearest of kindred.
Judith xvi. 24.
2.
To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice.
Shak.
3.
To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds, or species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters, etc.
4. Printing (a)
To separate (type which has been used) and return it to the proper boxes in the cases.
(b)
To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table.
5. Logic
To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as universal in one premise.
A term is said to be distributed when it is taken universal, so as to stand for everything it is capable of being applied to.
Whately.
Syn. -- To dispense; deal out; apportion; allot; share; assign; divide.
© Webster 1913.
Dis*trib"ute, v. i.
To make distribution.
Distributing to the necessity of saints.
Rom. xii. 13.
© Webster 1913.