ransom bill
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
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. [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]