maniple

noun

1. a subdivision of the ancient Roman legion; one third of a cohort, consisting of either 60 or 120 men

2. Etymology: ME manaple < MFr < ML(Ec) manipulus < L

   a small cloth band formerly worn hanging from the left forearm by the celebrant of a Mass

Etymology: L manipulus, orig., a handful, bundle < manus, a hand (see manual) + base of plere, to fill: from use of bundles of hay as standards of the maniples