Trib"u*ta*ry (?), a. [OE. tributaire, F. tributaire, L. tributarius. See Tribute.]

1.

Paying tribute to another, either from compulsion, as an acknowledgment of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace.

[Julius] unto Rome made them tributary. Chaucer.

2.

Hence, subject; subordinate; inferior.

He to grace his tributary gods. Milton.

3.

Paid in tribute.

"Tributary tears."

Shak.

4.

Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing; as, the Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.

 

© Webster 1913.


Trib"u*ta*ry (?), n.; pl. Tributaries ().

1.

A ruler or state that pays tribute, or a stated sum, to a conquering power, for the purpose of securing peace and protection, or as an acknowledgment of submission, or for the purchase of security.

2.

A stream or river flowing into a larger river or into a lake; an affluent.

 

© Webster 1913.

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