Payment subject to approval (7)

I believe the answer is:

tribute

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'payment' is the definition.
(I know that tribute is a type of payment)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for tribute that I've seen before include "Compliment" , "Admiring statement" , "Something offered as a mark of respect" , "Payment from dependent state (historical)" , "Approving words" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app