\Dis*trib"ute\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Distributed}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Distributing}.] [L. distributus, p. p. of
distribuere to divide, distribute; dis- + tribuere to assign,
give, allot. See {Tribute}.]
1. To divide among several or many; to deal out; to
   apportion; to allot.
         She did distribute her goods to all them that were
         nearest of kindred.                   --Judith xvi.
                                               24.
2. To dispense; to administer; as, to distribute justice.
   --Shak.
3. To divide or separate, as into classes, orders, kinds, or
   species; to classify; to assort, as specimens, letters,
   etc.
4. (Printing)
   (a) To separate (type which has been used) and return it
       to the proper boxes in the cases.
   (b) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon a roller or a table.
5. (Logic) To employ (a term) in its whole extent; to take as
   universal in one premise.
         A term is said to be distributed when it is taken
         universal, so as to stand for everything it is
         capable of being applied to.          --Whately.
Syn: To dispense; deal out; apportion; allot; share; assign;
     divide.

\Dis*trib"ute\, v. i.
To make distribution.
      Distributing to the necessity of saints. --Rom. xii.
                                               13.