n.1 a thing said or done or given as a mark of respect or affection etc. (paid tribute to their achievements; floral tributes).
2 hist. a a payment made periodically by one State or ruler to another, esp. as a sign of dependence. b an obligation to pay this (was laid under tribute).
3 (foll. by to) an indication of (some praiseworthy quality) (their success is a tribute to their perseverance).
4 a proportion of ore or its equivalent paid to a miner for his work, or to the owner of a mine.
Etymology: ME f. L tributum neut. past part. of tribuere tribut- assign, orig. divide between tribes (tribus)