Contribution \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)