01 n. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.
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1.
The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom.
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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.
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3.
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.(O. Eng. Law)
Phrases & compounds
Ransom bill —
a war contract, valid by the law of nations, for the ransom of property captured at sea and its safe conduct into port.