Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Reward?

\Re*ward"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rewarded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Rewarding}.] [OF. rewarder, another form of regarder, of German origin. The original sense is, to look at, regard, hence, to regard as worthy, give a reward to. See {Ward}, {Regard}.] To give in return, whether good or evil; -- commonly in a good sense; to requite; to recompense; to repay; to compensate. After the deed that is done, one doom shall reward, Mercy or no mercy as truth will accord. --Piers Plowman. Thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. --1 Sam. xxiv. 17. I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. --Deut. xxxii. 41. God rewards those that have made use of the single talent. --Hammond.
\Re*ward"\, n. [See {Reward}, v., and cf. {Regard}, n.] 1. Regard; respect; consideration. [Obs.] Take reward of thine own value. --Chaucer. 2. That which is given in return for good or evil done or received; esp., that which is offered or given in return for some service or attainment, as for excellence in studies, for the return of something lost, etc.; recompense; requital. Thou returnest From flight, seditious angel, to receive Thy merited reward. --Milton. Rewards and punishments do always presuppose something willingly done well or ill. --Hooker. 3. Hence, the fruit of one's labor or works. The dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward. --Eccl. ix. 5. 4. (Law) Compensation or remuneration for services; a sum of money paid or taken for doing, or forbearing to do, some act. --Burrill. Syn: Recompense; compensation; remuneration; pay; requital; retribution; punishment.