from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.]
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]