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.

---

redemptioner British  

/ rɪˈdɛmpʃənə /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of redemptioner

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

Example Sentences

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

Mr. Quimby bought him at the wharf out of a redemptioner ship.

From Pencil Sketches or, Outlines of Character and Manners by Leslie, Eliza

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

“Tibbie, you’re a—” Miss Meredith’s speech was stopped by the two coming within hearing of the redemptioner, who promptly removed his cap.

From Janice Meredith by Ford, Paul Leicester