Bonus \Bo"nus\, n.; pl. Bonuses. [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.

2. An extra dividend to the shareholders of a joint stock company, out of accumulated profits.

3. Money paid in addition to a stated compensation.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)