noun
- a person who kills another human being
Usage: archaic; biblical
Examples
- In ancient times, a manslayer could flee to a city of refuge for protection.
- The biblical law distinguished between an intentional murderer and an accidental manslayer.
- The manslayer sought sanctuary in the temple.
- According to Mosaic law, the manslayer was required to remain in the city of refuge.
- The term manslayer appears frequently in Old Testament texts.
- A manslayer who killed without premeditation received different treatment than a deliberate murderer.