Definition of "contributory"

contributory

/ˈkɒntɹɪˌbjuːt(ə)ɹi/

adjective
comparative more contributory, superlative most contributory
1. Of, pertaining to, or involving a contribution.
2. Tending to contribute to a result.
3. (obsolete) Paying tribute, tributary.
  Quotations
  My Lord the great Commander of the worlde,Besides fifteene contributory kings,Hath now in armes ten thouſand Ianiſaries,Mounted on luſty Mauritanian Steeds, […]
  c. 1587–1588, [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973, Act III, scene iii
noun
plural contributories
1. A person or thing that contributes.
  Quotations
  The response to firing is remarkable, and though the 280 lb. pressure seems more in the nature of a reserve for emergencies than a continuous working figure, even with the present-day apology for coal it seldom fell below 250 lb., and could always be brought up to blowing-off point with little difficulty. To this liveliness of steaming the thermic syphons are doubtless the chief contributory.
  1947 January and February, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 39