The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Ransom \Ran"som\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ransomed (-s[u^]md); p.
   pr. & vb. n. Ransoming.] [Cf. F. ran[,c]onner. See
   Ransom, n.]
   1. To redeem from captivity, servitude, punishment, or
      forfeit, by paying a price; to buy out of servitude or
      penalty; to rescue; to deliver; as, to ransom prisoners
      from an enemy.
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   2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.]
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            Such lands as he had rule of he ransomed them so
            grievously, and would tax the men two or three times
            in a year.                            --Berners.
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