n. [ L. ascriptio, fr. ascribere. See Ascribe. ] The act of ascribing, imputing, or affirming to belong; also, that which is ascribed. [ 1913 Webster ]
(n) assigning some quality or character to a person or thing, Syn. ascription, Example:the attribution of language to birds; the ascription to me of honors I had not earned
(n) assigning to a cause or source, Syn. ascription, Example:the attribution of lighting to an expression of God's wrath; he questioned the attribution of the painting to Picasso