redemptioner

American  

[ri-demp-shuh-ner] / rɪˈdɛmp ʃə nər /

noun

American History.

1. an emigrant from Europe to America who obtained passage by becoming an indentured servant for a specified period of time.

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redemptioner British  

/ rɪˈdɛmpʃənə /

noun

1. history an emigrant to Colonial America who paid for his passage by becoming an indentured servant

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Etymology

Origin of redemptioner

First recorded in 1765–75; redemption + -er ¹

Example Sentences

One thing they certainly made plain—that Mr. Miller had never taken the Müller family or any part of them to Attakapas or knowingly bought a redemptioner.

From Strange True Stories of Louisiana by Cable, George Washington

Many an old caxon or "gossoon"--a wig worn yellow with age--ended its days on the pate of a redemptioner, who thereby acquired dignity and was more likely to be bought as a schoolmaster.

From Two Centuries of Costume in America, Volume 1 (1620-1820) by Earle, Alice Morse

"Yes, but everybody will always remember that I was a bought redemptioner, and your folks will hardly ever forgive you for marrying me."

From Duffels by Eggleston, Edward

The redemptioner paused, and then took a quick step toward Janice with an eager look on his face and his hand outstretched.

From Janice Meredith by Ford, Paul Leicester

On their arrival in Pennsylvania the captain sold them to the colonists to pay the passage, and the redemptioner had to work for his owner for a period varying from five to ten years.

From The Quaker Colonies, a chronicle of the proprietors of the Delaware by Fisher, Sydney George