Sense of 'gift bestowed by a sovereign or the state' led to extended senses of 'gratuity to a military recruit' (1702) and 'reward for killing or taking a criminal or enemy' (1764).

Mid-13c., 'generosity,' from Old French bonte 'goodness' (12c., Modern French bonté), from Latin bonitatem (nominative bonitas) 'goodness,' from bonus 'good' (see bene-). : having the guardianship of a person or a thing Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edtionġ. 1610s, from Late Latin tutelarius 'a guardian,' from Latin tutela 'protection, watching' (see tutor, n.).