a. [f. L. trib-us TRIBE + -AL: hence mod.F. tribal (Littré).] Of or pertaining to a tribe or tribes; characteristic of a tribe.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., VI. 296. They are … of colour Tauny, boasting much of their triball Antiquity.
1740. Warburton, Div. Legat., V. iii. ¶ 40. Even the tribal Sceptre was established long after the death of Jacob.
1849. Stephens, Bk. Farm (1891), III. 409. The white face has been well described as the ‘tribal badge’ of the Hereford [ox].
1906. Petrie, Relig. Anc. Egypt., viii. 58. Of these some are probably tribal gods.
Hence Tribally adv., as a tribe; in the manner of, or in relation to a tribe.
1890. Science, 27 June, 383/2. It is probable that Professor Putnam is not justified in concluding that the people of the two sections were tribally identical.
1908. F. Spence, Chr. Reunion, vii. 109, note. The election (federally or tribally) of the elders of the Ecclesia by its members.
