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maniple definition

mani·ple (man′ə pəl)

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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