mita

[ mee-tuh ]

noun

1. a colonial system in Peru by which the Spanish government required Indians to perform periodic forced labor, especially in the mines.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mita¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from South American Spanish, from Quechua mit'a literally, “turn, time”

Example Sentences

In the mines and plantations countless numbers of Indians were annually swept away by the excessive labor consequent on the mita.

From Project Gutenberg

The mita alone, especially the labor in the mines, has swept away four times as many Indians as all the other causes combined.

From Project Gutenberg

Aude had near her her sister Mita, fair as herself, but slightly browned by the Spanish sun under which she had been brought up.

From Project Gutenberg

The severe eye of the bishop met the supplicating looks of Mita, and her eyes sought the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

The heart of Mita beat very fast during those few seconds, but at last she beheld her knight hand-to-hand with Garlan the Bearded.

From Project Gutenberg