Definition of Ransam
Ran"som (răn"sŭm), 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.
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.
Thy ransom paid, which man from death
redeems. Milton.
His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom
he paid for his liberty. Sir J. Davies.
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.
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.
Ran"som, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Ransomed (-sŭmd); 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.
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.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
RANSOM, n. The purchase of that which neither belongs to the seller,
nor can belong to the buyer. The most unprofitable of investments.
- 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue
- Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
- (14c) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.
- To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
You arrived at this page by searching for Ransam
The correct Spelling of this word is: Ransom
Thank you for visiting FreeFactFinder. On our home page you will find extensive articles covering
a wide range of topics.
|
