The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Bonus \Bo"nus\ (b[=o]"n[u^]s), n.; pl. Bonuses (-[e^]z). [L. bonus good. Cf. Bonny.] 1. (Law) A premium given for a loan, or for a charter or other privilege granted to a company; as the bank paid a bonus for its charter. --Bouvier. [1913 Webster] 2. An extra dividend to the shareholders of a joint stock company, out of accumulated profits. [1913 Webster] 3. Money paid in addition to a stated compensation. [1913 Webster]