Ran"som (?), n. [OE. raunson, raunsoun, OF. rançon, raençon, raançon, F. rançon, fr. L. redemptio, fr. redimere to redeem. See Redeem, and cf. Redemption.]
1.
The release of a captive, or of captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.
Dryden.
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.
Milton.
His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty.
Sir J. Davies.
3. 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.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Ran"som, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ransomed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ransoming.] [Cf. F. rançonner. See Ransom, n.]
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.
Berners.
© Webster 1913.