Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RAN'SOM, n. [Dan. ranzon; Sw. ranson; G. ranzion; Norm. raancon; Fr. rançon; Arm. rançzon. In French, the word implies not only redemption, but exaction; but I know not the component parts of the word. Qu. Dan. ran, a pillaging, and G. sühne, atonement.]

1. The money or price paid for the redemption of a prisoner or slave, or for goods captured by an enemy; that which procures the release of a prisoner or captive, or of captured property, and restores the one to liberty and the other to the original owner. By his captivity in Austria, and the heavy ransom he paid for his liberty, Richard was hindered from pursuing the conquest of Ireland. – Davies.
2. Release from captivity, bondage or the possession of an enemy. They were unable to procure the ransom of the prisoners.
3. In law, a sum paid for the pardon of some great offense and the discharge of the offender; or a fine paid in lieu of corporeal punishment. – Encyc. Blackstone.
4. In Scripture, the price paid for a forfeited life, or for delivery or release from capital punishment. Then he shall give for the ransom of his life, whatever is laid upon him. – Exod. xxi.
5. The price paid for procuring the pardon of sins and the redemption of the sinner from punishment. Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom. – Job xxxiii. The Son of man came … to give his life a ransom for many. – Matth. xx. Mark x.