manhood

Definition

The state or condition of being a human being.

Etymology

From Middle English manhode, also manhede (> obsolete English manhead), equivalent to man + -hood. Cognate with Middle Dutch manheit (“manhood”), Middle Low German manheit (whence German Low German Mannheit (“manhood”)), German Mannheit (“manhood”).

Example Sentences

• "He feared the speedy decline of all manhood."
• "Thou seemest human and divine, ⁠The highest, holiest manhood, thou."
• "He was a strapping youth poised on the brink of manhood."

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