Ransom

Ransom

Ransom is the practice of holding a prisoner or item to extort money or property to secure their release, or it can refer to the sum of money involved.

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Famous quotes containing the word ransom:

    “And the chieftain’s head, with grinning sockets, and varnished—
    Is it hung on the sky with a hideous epitaphy?
    No, the woman keeps the trophy.”
    —John Crowe Ransom (1888–1974)

    “For I could tell you a story which is true;
    I know a lady with a terrible tongue,
    Blear eyes fallen from blue,
    All her perfections tarnished—and yet it is not long
    Since she was lovelier than any of you.”
    —John Crowe Ransom (1888–1974)

    “The reivers they stole Fair Annie,
    As she walked by the sea;
    But a noble knight was her ransom soon,
    Wi’ gowd and white monie.”
    —Unknown. Fair Annie (l. 1–4)