The Collaborative International Dictionary
Theftbote \Theft"bote`\, n. [Theft + bote compensation.] (Law) The receiving of a man's goods again from a thief, or a compensation for them, by way of composition, with the intent that the thief shall escape punishment.
Wiktionary
n. (context legal obsolete English) The receiving of a person's goods again from a thief, or a compensation for them, by way of composition, with the intent that the thief shall escape punishment.
Wikipedia
Theftbote, a misdemeanour, occurs when a crime victim accepts the return of stolen property or makes other arrangements with a felon in exchange for an agreement not to prosecute. Such private deals were criminalized by Edward III, King of England, because they reduced fines and other forfeitures of property, which were an important part of the royal revenue. Theftbote was one of the first misdemeanour offences to be enacted.