'Ransom bill' definitions:

Definition of 'Ransom bill'

From: GCIDE
  • Ransom \Ran"som\ (r[a^]n"s[u^]m), n. [OE. raunson, raunsoun, OF. ran[,c]on, raen[,c]on, raan[,c]on, F. ran[,c]on, fr. L. redemptio, fr. redimere to redeem. See Redeem, and cf. Redemption.]
  • 1. The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty. --Sir J. Davies. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (O. Eng. Law) 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. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
  • Ransom bill (Law), a war contract, valid by the law of nations, for the ransom of property captured at sea and its safe conduct into port. --Kent. [1913 Webster]