society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > payment for labour or service > [noun] > extra payments > on joining the forces (4)
†(a) bounty-money paid to recruits; (b) contributions called for from the members of a trade or benefit society.
esp. A gratuity given to recruits on joining the army or navy; also as a reward to soldiers.
money formerly paid by a recruiting officer to a recruit on his joining the forces.