a member of a Tungusic people of Manchuria who conquered China in the 17th century and established a dynasty there (Manchu dynasty or Ch'ing 1644–1912).
2.
a Tungusic language spoken by the Manchu.
adjective
3.
of or pertaining to the Manchu, their country, or their language.
1650s, member of Tungusic race of Manchuria, which conquered China in 1644 and remained its ruling class until the Revolution of 1912. From Manchu, lit. "pure," name of the tribe descended from the Nu-chen Tartars.