What term refers to a legal act of freeing a slave?

The term that refers to the legal act of freeing a slave is "manumission." This practice was an important aspect of Roman society, where owners could voluntarily release their slaves, often under specific conditions or agreements. Manumission could occur in various ways, such as through a formal ceremony or in a will, and it played a crucial role in shaping the social and legal status of formerly enslaved individuals, allowing them to integrate into free society.

The other terms mentioned do not pertain specifically to the act of freeing slaves. "Ingenui" refers to freeborn individuals, distinguishing them from enslaved people. "Plebs humilis" describes the lower class or common people in Roman society, while "scriptores" pertains to writers or authors, particularly in the context of literary or historical texts. Understanding manumission is essential for grasping the complexities of slavery and freedom in ancient Rome.