n. & v.
--n.
1. a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner.
2 the liberation of a prisoner in return for this.
--v.tr.
1. buy the freedom or restoration of; redeem.
2 hold to ransom.
3 release for a ransom.
Derivatives:
ransomer n. (in sense 1 of v.).
Etymology: ME f. OF ransoun(er) f. L redemptio -onis REDEMPTION