Ransoming

1 definition found

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

  Ransom \Ran"som\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ransomed} (-s[u^]md); p.
     pr. & vb. n. {Ransoming}.] [Cf. F. ran[,c]onner. 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.
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     2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.]
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              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.
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