The Collaborative International Dictionary
Retributive \Re*trib"u*tive\, Retributory \Re*trib"u*to*ry\, a. Of or pertaining to retribution; of the nature of retribution; involving retribution or repayment; as, retributive justice; retributory comforts.
Wiktionary
a. Of or relating to retribution; of the nature of retribution; involving retribution or repayment.
WordNet
adj. of or relating to or having the nature of retribution; "retributive justice demands an eye for an eye" [syn: retaliatory, relatiative, retributive, vindicatory]
given or inflicted in requital according to merits or deserts; "retributive justice" [syn: retributive, vindicatory]
Usage examples of "retributory".
There was something retributory in his fast lope, and a harder gleam lay behind that other gleam filling his wide-sighted eyes The rods and cones of his pupils had undergone more than spectroscopic readjustment they now vibrated with hate.
Europe the coast is not quite clear enough yet for retributory measures.
As retributory service, Mesmeron was condemned to the posting of lighthouse keeper at Greasy Frog, with Steptoe as his second.
Her irritation with Lord Afton had induced her to while away several hours with retributory fantasies, in which he humbled himself and begged forgiveness for his misconstruction of her character.