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

See Examples For:

maniple

Where they are used, the cope, chasuble, maniple, dalmatic and tunic also vary with the Season in the same manner.

From The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia by William James Miller

Across the left arm was the maniple, and in his hand the chalice covered with the paten.

From Bell's Cathedrals: A Short Account of Romsey Abbey A Description of the Fabric and Notes on the History of the Convent of Ss. Mary & Ethelfleda by Rev. Thomas Perkins

The maniples were ranged in quincunx form in three lines, each separated from the neighboring maniple in such a way as to manœuvre separately.

From History Of Ancient Civilization by Charles Seignobos

It was therefore during these ten years that she caused this stole and maniple to be made for the Bishop Frithestan.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Durham A Description of Its Fabric and A Brief History of the Espiscopal See by Joseph E. Bygate

"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 William Henry Withrow