Con`tri*bu"tion (?), n. [L.
contributio: cf. F. contribution.]
1. The act of contributing.
2. That which is contributed; -- either
the portion which an individual furnishes to the common stock, or
the whole which is formed by the gifts of individuals.
A certain contribution for the poor saints
which are at jerusalem.
Rom. xv. 26.
Aristotle's actual contributions to the
physical sciences.
Whewell.
3. (Mil.) An irregular and
arbitrary imposition or tax leved on the people of a town or
country.
These sums, . . . and the forced
contributions paid by luckless peasants, enabled him to
keep his straggling troops together.
Motley.
4. (Law) Payment, by each of
several jointly liable, of a share in a loss suffered or an
amount paid by one of their number for the common
benefit.
