Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Captives or cattle or objects of value taken in war. In Canaan all that breathed were to be destroyed (Deut. 20: 16). The “pictures and images” of the Canaanites were to be destroyed also (Num. 33:52). The law of booty as to its division is laid down in Num. 31:26-47. David afterwards introduced a regulation that the baggage-guard should share the booty equally with the soldiers engaged in battle. He also devoted of the spoils of war for the temple (1 Sam. 30:24-26; 2 Sam. 8:11; 1 Chr. 26:27).
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
consisted of captives of both sexes, cattle, and whatever a captured city might contain, especially metallic treasures. Within the limits of Canaan no captives were to be made, (20:14,16) beyond these limits, in case of warlike resistance, all the women and children were to be made captives, and the men put to death. The law of booty is given in (Numbers 31:26-47) As regarded the army, David added a regulation that the baggage guard should share equally with the troops engaged.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
BOOT'Y . Moses laid down the law upon this subject in Num 31:26-30. In regard to the army, David made the additional rule that those who "tarried by the stuff" — the baggage-guard — should share equally with those who fought. 1 Sam 30:24. No booty could be taken from the Canaanites, as they were all, with all they had, devoted to destruction. But in wars outside of Palestine the practice was allowable. Metallic articles were kept for holy use. Josh 6:17-19; cf. Deut 20:12-18.