retri

v. t. [ L. retributus, p. p. ofretribuere to retribute; pref re- + tribuere to bestow, assign, pay. See Tribute. ] To pay back; to give in return, as payment, reward, or punishment; to requite; as, to retribute one for his kindness; to retribute just punishment to a criminal. [ Obs. or R. ] Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who makes retribution. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. retributio: cf. F. rétribution. ] 1. The act of retributing; repayment. [ 1913 Webster ]

In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly. Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong. [ 1913 Webster ]

All who have their reward on earth, . . .
Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find
Fit retribution, empty as their deeds. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ }, a. [ Cf. LL. retributorius worthy of retribution. ] Of or pertaining to retribution; of the nature of retribution; involving retribution or repayment; as, retributive justice; retributory comforts. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ From Retrieve. ] That may be retrieved or recovered; admitting of retrieval. -- Re*triev"a*ble*ness, n. -- Re*triev"a*bly, adv. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act retrieving. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. (Sport.) To discover and bring in game that has been killed or wounded; as, a dog naturally inclined to retrieve. Walsh. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A seeking again; a discovery. [ Obs. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The recovery of game once sprung; -- an old sporting term. [ Obs. ] Nares. [ 1913 Webster ]