1. A premium or benefit offered or given, esp. by a government, to induce someone to take action or perform a service (a bounty for the killing of dangerous animals).
2. A gift, esp. in a will; generosity in giving (the court will distribute the testator’s bounty equally).
3. The portion of a salvage award exceeding what the salvor would be entitled to on the basis of quantum meruit. — Also termed gratuity; bonus.
