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 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 ]

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. [ 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 ]

a. Such as can be ransomed. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who ransoms or redeems. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Incapable of being ransomed; without ransom. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]