Defn: An unexpected and untoward accident; something inopportune or
embarassing; a hitch.
In this unhappy contretemps. De Quincey.
CONTRIBUTABLE
Con*trib"u*ta*ble, a.
Defn: Capable of being contributed.
CONTRIBUTARY
Con*trib"u*ta*ry, a.
1. Contributory. [R.]
2. Tributary; contributing. [R.] It was situated on the Ganges, at the place where this river received a contributary stream. D'Anville (Trans. ).
CONTRIBUTE
Con*trib"ute, v. t. [imp. & p.p. Contributed; p.pr. & vb.n.
Contributing.] Etym: [L. contributus, p.p. of contribuere to bring
together, to add; con- + tribuere to grant, impart. See Tribute.]
Defn: To give or grant i common with others; to give to a common stock or for a common purpose; to furnish or suply in part; to give (money or other aid) for a specified object; as, to contribute food or fuel for the poor. England contributes much more than any other of the allies. Addison.
CONTRIBUTE
Con*trib"ute, v. i.
1. To give a part to a common stock; to lend assistance or aid, or give something, to a common purpose; to have a share in any act or effect. We are engaged in war; the secretary of state calls upon the colonies to contribute. Burke.