award 1 vt [Anglo-French awarder agarder to look at, decide on, impose, alteration of Old French esguarder to look at, from es -, intensive prefix + guarder to guard]
1: to give in accordance with a judicial or administrative determination or decision
award punitive damages
2: to grant as deserved
award ed the contract to the lowest bidder
award 2 n
1: a judgment or final decision: as
b: a formal decision regarding benefits in a workers' compensation claim
2: something granted esp. on the basis of merit or entitlement: as
a: a contract won by a successful bidder
b: relief usu. in the form of money (as damages or alimony) granted to a party in a legal proceeding
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.