ransom
Noun · VerbWordNet 3.0
Noun (3)
- money demanded for the return of a captured personSynonyms: ransom money
- payment for the release of someone
- the act of freeing from captivity or punishment
Verb (1)
- exchange or buy back for money; under threatSynonyms: redeem
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
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. [1913 Webster]
2.To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.] [1913 Webster]
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]
1.The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty.— Sir J. Davies.[1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]