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

The censors, or at least the consuls, should examine all whom it is proposed to manumit, inquiring into their origin and the reasons and mode of their enfranchisement, as in their examination of the equites.

From Social life at Rome in the Age of Cicero by Fowler, W. Warde

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

"How was it possible that Mr. Royal neglected to manumit her?" inquired the young man.

From A Romance of the Republic by Child, Lydia Maria Francis

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