What is the meaning of "prize" (al-ja'izah) in the Arabic language and in Islamic legal terminology?

Linguistically, a "prize" (الجائزة) is a gift. Its origin comes from what is given to someone who has "passed through" or accomplished something, and from this derives the Prophet's saying, "And give gifts (أجيزوا) to the delegation." Terminologically, it does not deviate from its linguistic meaning, and its ruling varies according to its context, ranging from recommendable (mandub), permissible (mubah), to forbidden (muharram). Among the recommendable prizes are: a guest's prize, such as giving him what allows him to travel a day and night's distance after three days of hospitality. Among prizes are also: the ruler's prize and the race prize.