I've just been introduced to a use with quite a different meaning, as in this speech by Marullus, from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene 1:
Clearly, this is related to "tribute", in the Roman sense. That too has different shades of meaning, not all salutary.Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
What tributaries follow him to Rome,
To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!
Is there more?