Ransom

Redemption from the power of another; a sum paid for such redemption; in international law, the redemption of captured property from the hands of an enemy, particularly of property captured at sea. Ransom hill: an instrument witnessing a ransom contract Ransom contract: a contract to pay a sum for such a purpose. Ransom debt: the sum agreed to be paid for the redemption of captured property, particularly property captured at sea.

In old English law

A species of fine; a severe or heavy kind of fine, beyond the ordinary amount, which, where a statute spoke of both a fine and a ransom, should be at least treble the fina