maniple

American  

[man-uh-puhl] / ˈmæn ə pəl /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a subdivision of a legion, consisting of 60 or 120 men.

2. Ecclesiastical. one of the Eucharistic vestments, consisting of an ornamental band or strip worn on the left arm near the wrist.

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maniple British  

/ ˈmænɪpəl /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a unit of 120 to 200 foot soldiers

2. Christianity an ornamental band formerly worn on the left arm by the celebrant at the Eucharist

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Etymology

Origin of maniple

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin manipulus sudarium, Latin: military unit, literally, handful, equivalent to mani- (combining form of manus hand) + -pulus suffix of obscure origin; perhaps akin to plēnus full ¹

Explanation

In the Roman Republic, a maniple was a military unit. A typical maniple was composed of 120 soldiers fighting in formations of three long lines. In the Roman military, a large unit called a legion would be divided into maniples. These smaller groups of infantry fighters were well suited to navigating the hilly terrain of central Italy. This was a change from previous traditions of larger fighting groups, and the word comes from the Latin manipulus, "a handful of soldiers." A second meaning of maniple is a kind of sash worn by a Catholic priest, originally carried in his hand as a "handful."

Example Sentences

Instead of the austere black robe that his predecessor wore, the Rev. Mr. Bremer will dress in full Eucharistic vestments�alb, stole, maniple and chasuble, all in white.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I have heard," said Adauctus gravely, "that the Romans took care to prevent such a trick as that by placing a maniple of soldiers on guard at His grave."

From Valeria The Martyr of the Catacombs by Withrow, William Henry

The girdle, and also the stole and maniple are intended to represent the cords and fetters with which the officers bound Jesus in His Passion.

From The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia by Miller, William James

Father Collins took off his chasuble and maniple and placed them upon the altar.

From The City and the World and Other Stories by Kelley, Francis Clement

The next two figures are priests, each vested in dalmatic, maniple, stole, and alb, acting as deacon and sub-deacon, the first holding an open service book, the second the chalice and pyx.

From Ecclesiastical Curiosities by Various