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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Ransom \Ran"som\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ransomed} (-s[u^]md); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Ransoming}.] [Cf. F. ran[,c]onner. 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.
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2. 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.
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Ransom \Ran"som\ (r[a^]n"s[u^]m), n. [OE. raunson, raunsoun, OF.
ran[,c]on, raen[,c]on, raan[,c]on, F. ran[,c]on, fr. L.
redemptio, fr. redimere to redeem. See {Redeem}, and cf.
{Redemption}.]
1. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by
payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners
hopeless of ransom. --Dryden.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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