(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
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ L. attributio: cf. F. attribution. ] 1. The act of attributing or ascribing, as a quality, character, or function, to a thing or person, an effect to a cause. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. That which is ascribed or attributed. [ 1913 Webster ]