ˈmanəpəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English manaple, from Medieval Latin manipulus, from Latin, handful, sheaf, from manus hand; from its having been originally held in the hand — more at manual
1. : an ecclesiastical vestment consisting of a narrow cloth band or scarf hanging from the left arm and symbolizing the napkin that deacons of the early church used in their table ministrations
2.
[Latin manipulus, from manipulus handful, sheaf; from the ancient Roman custom of using a pole with a handful of hay attached as a standard for a company of soldiers]
a. : a subdivision of the Roman legion consisting of either 120 or 60 men
b. obsolete : a small body of soldiers : company
3.
[Latin manipulus ]
archaic : handful