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

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

A redemptioner was an emigrant whose services for a certain period were liable to be sold to the highest bidder for the payment of his passage to America.

From Strange True Stories of Louisiana by Cable, George Washington

I tell you ’t was great sport ter see him an’ your redemptioner give it ter each other.

From Janice Meredith by Ford, Paul Leicester

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

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