1) n. money paid to a kidnapper in demand for the release of the person abducted. Ransom money can also be paid to return a valuable object such as a stolen painting. 2) v. to pay money to an abductor to return the person held captive. (See: kidnapping, abduction)
RANSOM, contracts, war. An agreement made between the commander of a
capturing vessel with the commander of a vanquished vessel, at sea, by which
the former permits the latter to depart with his vessel, and gives him a
safe conduct, in consideration of a sum of money, which the commander of the
vanquished vessel, in his own name, and in the name of the owners of his
vessel and cargo, promises to pay at a future time named, to the other.
2. This contract is usually made in writing in duplicate, one of which
is kept by the vanquished vessel which is its safe conduct; and the other by
the conquering vessel, which is properly called ransom bill.
3. This contract, when made in good faith, and not locally prohibited,
is valid, and may be enforced. Such contracts have never been prohibited in
this country. 1 Kent, Com. 105. In England they are generally forbidden.
Chit. Law of Nat. 90 91; Poth. Tr. du Dr. de Propr. n. 127. Vide 2 Bro. Civ.
Law, 260; Wesk. 435; 7 Com. Dig. 201; Marsh. Ins. 431; 2 Dall. 15; 15 John.
6; 3 Burr. 1734. The money paid for the redemption of such property is also
called the ransom.