tribute

n. 1 thing said or done or given as a mark of respect or affection etc. 2 (foll. By to) indication of (some praiseworthy quality) (their success is a tribute to their perseverance). 3 hist. A periodic payment by one state or ruler to another, esp. As a sign of dependence. B obligation to pay this. [latin tributum neuter past part. Of tribuo -ut- assign, originally divide between *tribes]

n. An annual or stated sum of money or other valuable thing, paid by one ruler or nation to another, either as an acknowledgment of submission, or as the price of peace and protection, or by virtue of some treaty; as, the Romans made their conquered countries pay tribute.