1. A premium paid in addition to what is due or expected (year-end bonus). • In the employment context, workers’ bonuses are not a gift or gratuity; they are paid for services or on consideration in addition to or in excess of the compensation that would ordinarily be given.
2. BOUNTY(3).
3. Oil & gas. A payment that is made in addition to royalties and rent as an incentive for a lessor to sign an oil-and-gas lease (the lessee received a large bonus at closing). [Cases: Mines and Minerals 79.1(2). C.J.S. Mines and Minerals §§ 289, 291–293.]
“The amount of bonus paid, usually referred to as a per acre amount, may fluctuate widely between properties. The amount paid depends upon the nature of the development activity in the vicinity. If the land is located in a semi-proven area, or in a logical extension of a proven field, the bonus paid may be substantial.” Richard W. Hemingway, The Law of Oil and Gas § 2.5, at 57 (3d ed. 1991).
performance bonus. A bonus given as a reward for outstanding productivity.
