GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Ransom , n. [OE. raunson, raunsoun, OF. rançon, raençon, raançon, F. rançon, fr. L. redemptio, fr. redimere to redeem. See Redeem, and cf. Redemption.]
   The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster
   Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems.
   Milton.
   
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   His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty.
   Sir J. Davies.
   
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   (O. Eng. Law) 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.
   Blackstone.
   
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   Ransom bill (Law), a war contract, valid by the law of nations, for the ransom of property captured at sea and its safe conduct into port.
   Kent.
   
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2.       
   Ransom, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ransomed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Ransoming.] [Cf. F. rançonner. See Ransom, n.]
   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.
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   To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.]
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   Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times in a year.
   Berners.
   
   1913 Webster