ransoming
present participle of ransom
• a-mornings, amornings
Source: Wiktionary
Ran"som, n. Etym: [OE. raunson, raunsoun, OF. rançon, raençon, raançon, F. rançon, fr. L. redemptio, fr. redimere to redeem. See Redeem, and cf. Redemption.]
1. The release of a captive, or of captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration; redemption; as, prisoners hopeless of ransom. Dryden.
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. Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems. Milton. His captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty. Sir J. Davies/.
3. (O. Eng. Law)
Definition: 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. 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.
Ran"som, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ransomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Ransoming.] Etym: [Cf. F. rançonner. 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.
2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.] 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
22 April 2025
(adjective) made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow; “bright silver candlesticks”; “a burnished brass knocker”; “she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves”; “rows of shining glasses”; “shiny black patents”
The world’s most expensive coffee costs more than US$700 per kilogram. Asian palm civet – a cat-like creature in Indonesia, eats fruits, including select coffee cherries. It excretes partially digested seeds that produce a smooth, less acidic brew of coffee called kopi luwak.
