ransom

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 ]