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’.