ransom (n.) Look up ransom at Dictionary.com
c. 1200, "sum paid for the release of a prisoner or captured man," from Old French ranson (Modern French rançon), earlier raenson "ransom, redemption," from Latin redemptionem (nominative redemptio) "a redeeming," from redimere (see redeem).
ransom Look up ransom at Dictionary.com
early 14c., from ransom (n.). Related: Ransomed; ransoming.