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.
RETRIBUTIVE; RETRIBUTORY Re*trib"u*tive, Re*trib"u*to*ry, a. Etym: [Cf. LL. retributorius worthy of retribution.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to retribution; of the nature of retribution; involving retribution or repayment; as, retributive justice; retributory comforts.
RETRIEVABLE
Re*triev"a*ble, a. Etym: [From Retrieve.]
Defn: That may be retrieved or recovered; admitting of retrieval.
— Re*triev"a*ble*ness, n.
— Re*triev"a*bly, adv.
RETRIEVAL
Re*triev"al, n.
Defn: The act retrieving.