Revenue \Rev"e*nue\, n. [F. revenu, OF. revenue, fr. revenir to return, L. revenire; pref. re- re- + venire to come. See Come.]

1. That which returns, or comes back, from an investment; the annual rents, profits, interest, or issues of any species of property, real or personal; income.

Do not anticipate your revenues and live upon air till you know what you are worth. --Gray.

2. Hence, return; reward; as, a revenue of praise.

3. The annual yield of taxes, excise, customs, duties, rents, etc., which a nation, state, or municipality collects and receives into the treasury for public use.

Revenue cutter, an armed government vessel employed to enforce revenue laws, prevent smuggling, etc.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)