01 n. The act of retributing; repayment.
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1.
The act of retributing; repayment.“In good offices and due retributions, we may not be pinching and niggardly.” — Bp. Hall.
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2.
That which is given in repayment or compensation; return suitable to the merits or deserts of, as an action; commonly, condign punishment for evil or wrong.“All who have their reward on earth, . . . Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find Fit retribution, empty as their deeds.” — Milton.
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3.
Specifically, reward and punishment, as distributed at the general judgment.“It is a strong argument for a state of retribution hereafter, that in this world virtuous persons are very often unfortunate, and vicious persons prosperous.” — Addison.
Syn.
Repayment; requital; recompense; payment; retaliation.