What is "ransoming"

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.

2. To exact a ransom for, or a payment on. [R.]

   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.

vb. (present participle of ransom English)