Word Origin & History c.1600, from L. emancipatus, pp. of
emancipare "declare (someone) free, give up one's authority
over," in Roman law, the freeing of a son or wife from the legal
authority (patria potestas) of the pater familias, to make his
or her own way in the world; from ex- "out, away" + mancipare
"deliver, transfer or sell," from mancipum "ownership," from
manus "hand" (see manual ) + capere "take" (see capable ).
Adopted in the cause of religious toleration (17c.), then anti-
slavery (1776). Also used in ref. to women who free themselves
from conventional customs (1850).