\Trib"u*ter\, n. (Mining)
One who works for a certain portion of the ore, or its value.
[Eng.]
Note: Tributers generally work in gangs, and have a limited
      portion of a lode set them, called a tribute pitch,
      beyond which they are not permitted to work, and for
      which they receive a certain portion of the ore, or so
      much per pound, as agreed upon, of the value of what
      they raise. --Weale.