Category:Retribution

Ret`ri*bu"tion, n. Etym: [l. retributio: cf. F. rétribution.]

1. The act of retributing; repayment. In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and Niggardly. Bp. Hall.

2. That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable To the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign Punishment for evil or wrong. All who have their reward on earth,. . . Naught seeking but the Praise of men, here find fit retribution, empty as their deeds. Milton.

3. Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general Judgment. It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in This world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious Persons prosperous. Addison.

Syn. -- repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.