manumit

American  

[man-yuh-mit] / ˌmæn yəˈmɪt /

verb (used with object)

manumitted, manumitting

1. to release from slavery or servitude.

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manumit British  

/ ˌmænjʊˈmɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• manumitter noun
• unmanumitted adjective

Etymology

Origin of manumit

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

Example Sentences

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

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry

I felt that I owed my life to her faithful care, and I resolved to take her North, manumit, educate, and marry her.

From Iola Leroy Shadows Uplifted by Harper, Frances Ellen Watkins

From that moment he possessed authority to manumit not less absolute than the sovereign, but immeasurably more power to avenge.

From The History of Tasmania, Volume I by West, John

In 1819 they had petitioned against being compelled to manumit their slaves in cases where they wished to buy their freedom, but their protests went for nothing.

From The West Indies and the Spanish Main by Rodway, James

She offered to manumit her slaves—telling them that her marriage might make unexpected changes in their destiny, and she wished to insure their happiness.

From Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself by Jacobs, Harriet Ann