Ransom /(răn"sŭm)/

Ran·som

Ransom

n.
  1. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.
  2. The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner, or for goods captured by an enemy; payment for freedom from restraint, penalty, or forfeit.
    Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems.
    His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty.
  3. A sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment. (O. Eng. Law)

Phrases & Compounds
Ransom bill
a war contract, valid by the law of nations, for the ransom of property captured at sea and its safe conduct into port.

Ransom

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Ransomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ransoming

  1. To redeem from captivity, servitude, punishment, or forfeit, by paying a price; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to rescue; to deliver; as, to ransom prisoners from an enemy.
  2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.]
    Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times in a year.