retribute1
/ˈrɛtrɪbjuːt/rare before 19th cent
adjective
Only in retribute justice: = retributive justice.
Origin
Late 17th century; earliest use found in Francis Kirkman (1632–c1680), bookseller and writer. From classical Latin retribūtus, past participle of retribuere retribute.
retribute2
/rɪˈtrɪbjuːt/ /ˈrɛtrɪbjuːt/Now rare
verb
1 [with object] To give (a thing) in return or as a repayment; to inflict (something) on a person in retaliation.
2 [with object] To make appropriate return for; to repay; to recompense or avenge (an injury or offence); to reward (an action, good deed, etc.).
3 [no object] To give something in return; to make an appropriate recompense or repayment; (of God) to deliver the appropriate punishment or reward for past deeds.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Shepardes Kalendar. From classical Latin retribūt-, past participial stem of retribuere to hand back duly (money, or a reward or punishment) from re- + tribuere to give, assign, after retribution.