maniple

Meaning

Noun

• A division of the Roman army numbering 120 (or sometimes 60) soldiers exclusive of officers; any small body of soldiers.
• In Western Christianity, an ornamental band or scarf worn upon the left arm as a part of the vestments of a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, and sometimes the Church of England.
• A hand; a fist.
• A handful.

Origin

• From Late Middle English maniple, manyple, borrowed from Middle French, Old French maniple, manipule (modern French manipule), from Latin manipulus, from manus (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *(s)meh₂-) + the weakened root of pleō (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₁-). The English word is cognate with Italian manipulo , manipolo.
• Sense 2 (“part of a priest’s vestments”) is probably from the fact that the item was originally carried in the hand. It may originate from a handkerchief or napkin worn by Roman consuls as an indication of rank.
• Probably from Late Latin manipulus (see further at etymology 1), modelled on Ancient Greek δράγμα which was confused with δραχμή.