Crossword Genius

Take Freemason's money in return for hostages (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ransom

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'take freemason's money' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'return for hostages' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ransom that I've seen before include "Manors (anag.)" , "Freedom payment" , "Ready to release prisoner" , "Kidnapper's payoff" , "Payment, eg to kidnapper" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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