(ran′səm) v.t.
1. To secure the release of (a person, property, etc.) for a required price, as from captivity or detention.
2. To set free on payment of ransom.
3. To redeem from sin or its consequences. See synonyms under DELIVER.
—noun
1. The consideration paid for the release of a person or property captured or detained.
2. Release purchased, as from captivity. [<OF rançon, raençon <L redemptio, -onis redemption <redimere redeem. Doublet of REDEMPTION.]
—ran′som·er noun
—ran′som·less adjective

(ran′səm), John Crowe,
U.S. poet, 1888–1974.