Definition of ransoms:
(n) :
Money paid for the freeing of a hostage.
(n) :
The release of a captive, or of captured property, by payment of a consideration.
(v) :
To pay a price to set someone free from captivity or punishment.
(v) :
To exact a ransom (payment) in exchange for the freedom of.
(n) :
(historical, law, UK) A sum paid for the pardon of some great offence and the discharge of the offender; also, a fine paid in lieu of corporal punishment.
(v) :
(obsolete) To deliver, especially in context of sin or relevant penalties.