manus

[mey-nuh s] /ˈmeɪ nəs/
noun, plural manus.
1.
Anatomy, Zoology. the distal segment of the forelimb of a vertebrate, including the carpus and the forefoot or hand.
2.
Roman Law. power over persons, as that of the husband over the wife.
Origin
1510-20; < Latin: hand

Manus

[mah-noos] /ˈmɑ nus/
noun, plural Manus.
1.
a member of a people living on the island of Manus, in the Admiralty Islands.

Manu

[man-oo] /ˈmæn u/
noun, Hindu Mythology
1.
the progenitor and lawgiver of the human race.
British Dictionary definitions for manus

manus

/ˈmeɪnəs/
noun (pl) -nus
1.
(anatomy) the wrist and hand
2.
the corresponding part in other vertebrates
3.
(Roman law) the authority of a husband over his wife
4.
(English law) (formerly) an oath or the person taking an oath
Word Origin
C19: Latin: hand
manus in Medicine

manus ma·nus (mā'nəs, mān'əs)
n. pl. manus

  1. The distal part of the arm, including the carpus, metacarpus, and digits.

  2. The hand.

Encyclopedia Article for manus

in Roman law, autocratic power of the husband over the wife, corresponding to patria potestas of the father over his children. A daughter ceased to be under her father's potestas if she came under the manus of her husband. Marriage without manus, however, was by far the more common in all periods of Roman history except possibly the very earliest. By the time of the Twelve Tables (451-450 BC), it was possible to be married without manus, so that the wife remained under her father's potestas if he was still alive.

Learn more about manus with a free trial on Britannica.com