Category:Tributary

Trib"u*ta*ry, a. Etym: [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.

Tributary 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.