The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bounty \Boun"ty\, n.; pl. Bounties. [OE. bounte goodness,
   kindness, F. bont['e], fr. L. bonitas, fr. bonus good, for
   older duonus; cf. Skr. duvas honor, respect.]
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   1. Goodness, kindness; virtue; worth. [Obs.]
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            Nature set in her at once beauty with bounty.
                                                  --Gower.
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   2. Liberality in bestowing gifts or favors; gracious or
      liberal giving; generosity; munificence.
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            My bounty is as boundless as the sea. --Shak.
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   3. That which is given generously or liberally. "Thy morning
      bounties." --Cowper.
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   4. A premium offered or given to induce men to enlist into
      the public service; or to encourage any branch of
      industry, as husbandry or manufactures.
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   Bounty jumper, one who, during the latter part of the Civil
      War, enlisted in the United States service, and deserted
      as soon as possible after receiving the bounty. [Collog.]


   Queen Anne's bounty (Eng. Hist.), a provision made in Queen
      Anne's reign for augmenting poor clerical livings.
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   Syn: Munificence; generosity; beneficence.
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