Kidnaping

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Kidnap \Kid"nap`\ (k[i^]d"n[a^]p`), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
     {Kidnaped} (k[i^]d"n[a^]pt`) or {Kidnapped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
     {Kidnaping} or {Kidnapping}.] [Kid a child + Prov. E. nap to
     seize, to grasp. Cf. {Knab}, {Knap}, {Nab}.]
     To take (any one) by force or fear, and against one's will,
     with intent to carry to another place. --Abbott.


     [1913 Webster]
  
           You may reason or expostulate with the parents, but
           never attempt to kidnap their children, and to make
           proselytes of them.                      --Whately.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Originally used only of stealing children, but now
           extended in application to any human being,
           involuntarily abducted. Kidnaper