v. [f. L. contribūt- ppl. stem of contribuĕre to bring together, add, contribute, f. con- together + tribuĕre to bestow. (Formerly stressed co·ntribute, which is still dial.)]
† 1. trans. To make tributary, levy tribute upon. Obs. rare–1.
1559. Skelton, in Mirr. Mag., Edw. IV., iii. Graunted not she [Fortune] me to haue victory, In England to rayne and to contribute Fraunce?
† 2. intr. To pay tribute (to). Obs.
c. 1592. Marlowe, Jew of Malta, I. Wks. (Rtldg.), 148/1. Long to the Turk did Malta contribute; Which tribute, [etc.].
3. To give or pay jointly with others; to furnish to a common fund or charge. a. trans.
1530. Palsgr., 497/2. To se with howe good wyll they do contrybute their money.
1535. in Strype, Eccl. Mem., I. App. lxiv. 158. That it may please the Kings Majesty … to contribute … with the said Princes, 100,000 crownes.
1707. Addison, Pres. State War, Wks. 1746, III. 265. England contributes much more than any other of the Allies.
1758. Johnson, Idler, No. 4, ¶ 7. Every hand is open to contribute something.
a. 1832. Mackintosh, Revol., Wks. 1846, II. 156. The Princess of Orange contributed two hundred pounds to their relief.
b. intr. or absol. To give or make contribution.
a. 1610. Healey, Theophrast., xvii. (1636), 65. If his friends do contribute to supply his wants.
1651. Hobbes, Govt. & Soc., xiii. § 11. 200. Whether Subjects ought to contribute to the publique, according to the rate of what they gain, or of what they spend.
1776. Adam Smith, W. N., V. ii. (1869), II. 414. The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities.
1867. Smiles, Huguenots Eng., xi. (1880), 188. A fund was raised … to which all parties cheerfully and liberally contributed.
4. transf. and fig. To give or furnish along with others to a collective stock; to furnish an ‘article’ to a magazine, etc. a. trans.
1653. Walton, Angler, Ep. Ded. 6. It can contribute nothing to your knowledge.
1667. Milton, P. L., VIII. 155. Yet scarce to contribute Each Orb a glimps of Light.
1739. Melmoth, Fitzosb. Lett. (1763), 7. Those who never contributed a single benefit to their own age.
1788. Cowper, On Mrs. Mountagu’s Feather-hangings, 13. All tribes beside of Indian name … Whate’er they boast of rich and gay Contribute to the gorgeous plan.
1843. Macaulay (title), Critical and Historical Essays, contributed to the Edinburgh Review.
b. intr. or absol.
1864. Bohn, Lowndes’ Bibliogr. Manual, s.v. Whewell, Professor Whewell has contributed largely to the Philosophical Transactions.
1883. L’pool Courier, 25 Sept., 4/6. The Greeks contributed largely to the literature of the stars.
5. fig. To give or furnish along with others towards bringing about a result; to lend (effective agency or assistance) to a common result or purpose. a. trans.
1634. W. Tirwhyt, trans. Balzac’s Lett., A iv b. Is it not probable … that he would imploy, and contribute a more exact study and solicitude?
1635. May, Edw. III., III. How many Lands their severall shares of woe Must contribute to Philip’s overthrow?
1651. Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 113. We will contribute our best endeavours thereto.
1790. Paley, Horæ Paul., i. 8. Circumstances … which contributed strength to the conclusion.
1875. Jevons, Money (1878), 158. This cause may contribute something to the effect observed.
b. More usually intr. To contribute to (also † for) or to do anything): to do a part in bringing (it) about; to have a part or share in producing.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., I. v. § 11. Both heaven and earth do conspire and contribute to the use and benefit of man.
1704. Addison, Italy, 301. The same Cause that has rais’d the lower Grounds having contributed to sink … [the] higher.
1730. A. Gordon, Maffei’s Amphith., 358. It might have contributed not a little for draining the Water.
1820. W. Irving, Sketch Bk., I. 196. He contributed greatly to improve the national music.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., I. xii. 90. If I thought his presence would in any degree contribute to my comfort.
1885. Act 48 Vict., c. 16 § 8. Where any burgh has ceased … to return or to contribute to return a member to Parliament.
