WordLens

manumission

1 of 1noun
/ˌmænjʊˈmɪʃən/
Forms:manumissions
1

the act of a slave owner freeing their slaves

  • The manumission of the slave was a rare but powerful act of kindness in a time of oppression.
  • The practice of manumission was often seen as a moral action, though it did not end the system of slavery.
  • Many slaves dreamt of manumission, hoping one day to be granted the liberty they deserved.
  • During the 19th century, some slaves were granted manumission through the wills of their owners, while others fought for their freedom in court.
  • The wealthy landowner's decision to grant manumission to his slaves was met with mixed reactions from the community.