n. & adj.
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake.
2 hist. a person or State paying or subject to tribute.
--adj.
1. (of a river etc.) that is a tributary.
2 hist. a paying tribute. b serving as tribute.
Derivatives:
tributarily adv. tributariness n.
Etymology: ME f. L tributarius (as TRIBUTE)