Ransom

n. [Fr. rançon, O. Fr. raençon, raançon, raïanson, raenchon, O. It. ranzone, It. redenzione, Pr. recenso, reemso, rezenpso, redempcio, Sp. redencion, from Lat. redemptio. See REDEMPTION.]

1Sense 1. Release from captivity, bondage, or the possession of an enemy; as, they were unable to procure the ransom of the prisoners.

2Sense 2. The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner, or for goods captured by an enemy; that which procures the release of a prisoner or captive, or of captured property; payment for freedom from restraint, penalty, or forfeit.

By his captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty, Richard was hindered from pursuing the conquest of Ireland. Davies.

3Sense 3. (Law.) A sum paid for the pardon of some great offense, and the discharge of the offender; or a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment. Blackstone.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. RANSOMED; p. pr. & vb. n. RANSOMING.] [Fr. rançonner, Pr. ransonar. See supra.]

1Sense 1. To redeem from captivity, punishment, or forfeit, by paying an equivalent; to buy out of servitude or penalty; to rescue; to deliver; as, to ransom prisoners from an enemy.

2Sense 2. To demand a ransom for; to exact payment on. [Rare.]

All such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so grievously, and would tax the men two or three times a year. Ld. Berners.