Rĕt/ri-bū'tion, n.
[Fr. rétribution, Pr. retribucio, Sp. retribucion, It. retribuzione, Lat. retributio. See supra.]
Sense 1. The act of retributing or repaying; repayment.
In good offices and due retributions we may not be pinching and niggardly. Hall.
Sense 2. The state of being retributed or paid back.
Sense 3. That which is given to retribute; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; reward; compensation.
All who have their reward on earth, . . . Nought seeking but the praise of men, here find Fit retribution, empty as their deeds. Milton.
Sense 4. Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment.
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.
Synonyms— Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.