I. məˈn(y)u̇(ə)r, -u̇ə transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English manouren, from Middle French manouvrer, literally, to do work by hand, from Latin manu operare — more at maneuver
1. obsolete : to have the possession or management of (as land)
2. archaic
a. : to subject (land) to cultivation : till
b. : to develop (as the mind) by instruction and discipline : train
3. : to apply manure to : enrich by the application of a fertilizing substance
the fields were manured, the fodder was all in — Hugh MacLennan
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
: material that fertilizes land ; especially : refuse of stables and barnyards consisting of mammal and bird excreta with or without litter — compare fertilizer