Main Entry:

boun·ty

Pronunciation:

\ˈbau̇n-tē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural bounties

Etymology:

Middle English bounte goodness, from Anglo-French bunté, bountee, from Latin bonitat-, bonitas, from bonus good, from Old Latin duenos; akin to Sanskrit duva reverence, favor

Date:

13th century

1: something that is given generously2: liberality in giving : generosity3: yield especially of a crop4: a reward, premium, or subsidy esp. when offered or given by a government: as a: an extra allowance to induce entry into the armed services b: a grant to encourage an industry c: a payment to encourage the destruction of noxious animals d: a payment for the capture of or assistance in the capture of an outlaw