Attribute \At*trib"ute\ ([a^]t"tr[i^]*b[=u]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Attributed; p. pr. & vb. n. Attributing.]

[L. attributus, p. p. of attribuere; ad + tribuere to bestow. See Tribute.]

To ascribe; to consider (something) as due or appropriate (to); to refer, as an effect to a cause; to impute; to assign; to consider as belonging (to).

We attribute nothing to God that hath any repugnancy or contradiction in it. --Abp. Tillotson.

The merit of service is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer. --Shak.

Syn: See Ascribe.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Attribute \At"tri*bute\, n. [L. attributum.]

1. That which is attributed; a quality which is considered as belonging to, or inherent in, a person or thing; an essential or necessary property or characteristic.

But mercy is above this sceptered away; . . . It is an attribute to God himself. --Shak.

2. Reputation. [Poetic] --Shak.

3. (Paint. & Sculp.) A conventional symbol of office, character, or identity, added to any particular figure; as, a club is the attribute of Hercules.

4. (Gram.) Quality, etc., denoted by an attributive; an attributive adjunct or adjective.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)