Contribution /(?)/

Con·tri·bu·tion

Contribution

n.
  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.
  3. An irregular and arbitrary imposition or tax leved on the people of a town or country. (Mil.)
    These sums, . . . and the forced contributions paid by luckless peasants, enabled him to keep his straggling troops together.
  4. 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. (Law)