Defn: 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. 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.
RANSOM
Ran"som, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ransomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ransoming.]
Etym: [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.
2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.] 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.
RANSOMABLE
Ran"som*a*ble, a.
Defn: Such as can be ransomed.
RANSOMER
Ran"som*er, n.
Defn: One who ransoms or redeems.
RANSOMLESS
Ran"som*less, a.
Defn: Incapable of being ransomed; without ransom. Shak.