Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-TRIB'UTE, v.t. [L. contribuo; con and tribuo, to grant, assign, or impart; It. contribuire; Sp. contribuir; Fr. contribuer. See Tribe, Tribute.]

1. To give or grant in common with others; to give to a common stock or for a common purpose; to pay a share. It is the duty of Christians to contribute a portion of their substance for the propagation of the gospel. England contributes much more than any other of the allies. – Addison.
2. To impart a portion or share to a common purpose; as, let each man contribute his influence to correct public morals.