maniple
Americannoun
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(in ancient Rome) a subdivision of a legion, consisting of 60 or 120 men.
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Ecclesiastical. one of the Eucharistic vestments, consisting of an ornamental band or strip worn on the left arm near the wrist.
noun
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(in ancient Rome) a unit of 120 to 200 foot soldiers
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Christianity an ornamental band formerly worn on the left arm by the celebrant at the Eucharist
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
St. Cuthbert’s maniple at Durham is of pure gold thread.
From Needlework As Art by Marianne Margaret Compton Cust, Viscountess Alford
He holds a closed book in his R. hand, a sceptre in his L.: on the L. wrist is a maniple.
From Henry the Sixth A Reprint of John Blacman's Memoir with Translation and Notes by M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
She ordered and gave an embroidered stole and maniple to Frithestan.
From Needlework As Art by Marianne Margaret Compton Cust, Viscountess Alford
Along with the stole and maniple of St. Cuthbert, which are now at Durham Cathedral, was found a piece of detached gold lace, which must have formed a separate trimming.
From Chats on Old Lace and Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes
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