Reference: Manslayer
American
See REFUGE.
Easton
one who was guilty of accidental homicide, and was entitled to flee to a city of refuge (Nu 35:6,12,22-23), his compulsory residence in which terminated with the death of the high priest. (See Refuge, Cities of.)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Fausets
(See CITIES OF REFUGE; BLOOD; BLOOD, AVENGING OF.)
Hastings
Smith
Manslayer,
one who kills another unintentionally, and is thus distinguished from a murderer, who kills with malice aforethought. The cases of manslaughter mentioned in Scripture appear to be a sufficient indication of the intention of the lawgiver.
1. Death by a blow in a sudden quarrel.
2. Death by a stone or missile thrown at random. Ibid.
3. By the blade of an axe flying from its handle.
De 19:5
In all these and the like cases the manslayer was allowed to retire to a city of refuge. A thief overtaken at night in the act of stealing might lawfully be put to death, but if the sun had risen the killing him was to be regarded as murder.