maniple

[man-uh-puhl]

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.

maniple

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of maniple¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of maniple¹

C16: from Medieval Latin manipulus (the Eucharistic vestment), from Latin, literally: a handful, from manus hand

Example Sentences

As for the service, the priest faces in the same direction as the parishioners and also wears a ceremonial garment 7/8- known as a maniple- on his left forearm.

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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.

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It was called a superhumeral, and is described as a somewhat broader stole, thrown over the shoulders, and adorned with fringes, with two maniples of the shape of shields hanging down from it.

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The small embroidered strip hanging on the left arm is the maniple.

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“Each century, or at least each maniple,” says Meyrick, “had its proper standard and standard-bearer.”

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