One who redeems himself or purchases his release from debt or obligation to the master of a ship by his services; or one whose services are sold to pay the expenses of his passage to America.--Webster.
·noun One who redeems himself, as from debt or servitude. II. Redemptioner ·noun Formerly, one who,...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
One who purchases his release from obligation to the master of a ship, by his services; or one whose...
The Sailor's Word-Book