manumit

[ man-yuh-mit ]

verb (used with object)

, man·u·mit·ted, man·u·mit·ting.

1. to release from slavery or servitude.

manumit

/ ˌmænjʊˈmɪt /

verb

1. tr to free from slavery, servitude, etc; emancipate

Derived Forms

• ˌmanuˈmitter, noun

Other Words From

• manu·mitter noun
• unman·u·mitted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manumit¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin manūmittere, earlier manū ēmittere to send away from (one's) hand, i.e., to set free. See manus, emit

Word History and Origins

Origin of manumit¹

C15: from Latin manūmittere to release, from manū from one's hand + ēmittere to send away

Example Sentences

During the debate over this language, Madison provided the clearest gloss on its fresh meaning by explaining that, instead of imposing an eighteen-year moratorium on congressional action against slavery, the amendment made it unconstitutional “to attempt to manumit them at any time.”

From Literature

She cited Quantum Coffee Roasters and Manumit, both in Cardiff, as other examples of speciality roasters using high quality beans.

From BBC

If they were faithful and hardworking, the master would set them free, manumit them, when he died.

From Literature

Nevertheless, “old” or “aged” slaves are encountered again and again, sometimes in descriptions of fugitives, sometimes in the deeds that manumit—that is, discard—superannuated slaves. Before the end of the 17th century, numbers of black people lived long enough to see their grandchildren.

From Slate

He had turned, as was his wont, to the side, and was preparing for his talk in profile, when Mr. Gitney, wracked, it is clear, with guilt, broke in: “Octavian, we do not believe in slavery any more than you. We would abolish it, if we could. I would free you and the others tomorrow, if I could.... But you must understand, there is an expense for everything. ... To manumit you, I would have to pay a bond . . . grievously expensive....”

From Literature