The finest [speech] that is ascribed to Satan in the
whole poem. --Addison.
2. To attribute, as a quality, or an appurtenance; to
consider or allege to belong.
Syn: To {Ascribe}, {Attribute}, {Impute}.
Usage: Attribute denotes, 1. To refer some quality or
attribute to a being; as, to attribute power to God.
2. To refer something to its cause or source; as, to
attribute a backward spring to icebergs off the coast.
Ascribe is used equally in both these senses, but
involves a different image. To impute usually denotes
to ascribe something doubtful or wrong, and hence, in
general literature, has commonly a bad sense; as, to
impute unworthy motives. The theological sense of
impute is not here taken into view.
More than good-will to me attribute naught.
--Spenser.
Ascribes his gettings to his parts and merit.
--Pope.
And fairly quit him of the imputed blame.
--Spenser.