n.
 (pl. bounties)
   - a reward paid for killing or capturing someone.
- historical a sum paid by the state to encourage trade. ▸a sum paid by the state to army or navy recruits on enlistment. 
- literary something given or occurring in generous amounts. ▸generosity. 
Etymology
  ME: from OFr. bonte ‘goodness’, from L. bonitas, from bonus ‘good’.