ETYM Old Eng. bounte goodness, kindness, French bonté, from Latin bonitas, from bonus good, for older duonus; cf. Skr. duvas honor, respect.
1. Generosity evidenced by a willingness to give freely; SYN. bounteousness.
2. Payment or reward (esp. from a government) for acts such as catching criminals or killing predatory animals or enlisting in the military; SYN. premium.