1. plural of manilla; metal bracelets or rings formerly used as currency in West Africa
Usage: historical

Examples

• The Portuguese traders brought manillas to exchange for gold and ivory.
• These copper manillas were widely accepted as payment along the coast.
• The museum displayed various manillas used in pre-colonial trade.
• Local merchants preferred manillas over other forms of currency.
• The weight and purity of manillas determined their value.
• European ships carried thousands of manillas for African trade.