Noun

(uncountable) The act of paying.

(countable) A sum of money paid in exchange for goods or services.

* , chapter=7

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=“[…] This is Mr. Churchill, who, as you are aware, is good enough to come to us for his diaconate, and, as we hope, for much longer; and being a gentleman of independent means, he declines to take any payment .” Saying this Walden rubbed his hands together and smiled contentedly.}}

Noun

(en noun)

Something given in exchange for goods or services rendered.

* {{quote-book

, year=1885) , author=H. Rider Haggard , title=King Solomon's Mines , chapter=2 citation , passage=“Mr. Quatermain,” said the former, “I am well off, and I am bent upon this business. You may put the remuneration for your services at whatever figure you like in reason, and it shall be paid over to you before we start. Moreover, I will arrange in the event of anything untoward happening to us or to you, that your son shall be suitably provided for. You will see from this offer how necessary I think your presence. Also if by chance we should reach this place, and find diamonds, they shall belong to you and Good equally. I do not want them. But of course that promise is worth nothing at all, though the same thing would apply to any ivory we might get. You may pretty well make your own terms with me, Mr. Quatermain; and of course I shall pay all expenses.”}}

A payment for work done; wages, salary, emolument.

A recompense for a loss; compensation.