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.
TRIBUTE Trib"ute, n. Etym: [OE. tribut, L. tributum, fr. tribuere, tributum, to bestow, grant, pay, allot, assign, originally, to a tribe, from tribus tribe; cf. F. tribut. See Tribe, and cf. Attribute, Contribute.]
1. 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. Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute. C. C. Pinckney.
2. A personal contribution, as of money, praise, service, etc., made in token of services rendered, or as that which is due or deserved; as, a tribute of affection. Implores the passing tribute of a sigh. Gray.
3. (Mining)