tributary

a. [ OE. tributaire, F. tributaire, L. tributarius. See Tribute. ] 1. Paying tribute to another, either from compulsion, as an acknowledgment of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Julius ] unto Rome made them tributary. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, subject; subordinate; inferior. [ 1913 Webster ]

He to grace his tributary gods. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Paid in tribute. “Tributary tears.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]