I. ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rəl noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin corporale, from Latin, neuter of corporalis; from the doctrine that the bread of the Eucharist becomes or represents the body of Christ
Date: 14th century
: a linen cloth on which the eucharistic elements are placed
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corporalis, from corpor-, corpus body — more at midriff
Date: 14th century
1. obsolete : corporeal , physical
2. : of, relating to, or affecting the body
corporal punishment
• cor·po·ral·ly -p(ə-)rə-lē adverb
III. noun
Etymology: Middle French, lowest noncommissioned officer, alteration of caporal, from Old Italian caporale, from capo head, from Latin caput — more at head
Date: 1579
: a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army above a private first class and below a sergeant and in the marine corps above a lance corporal and below a sergeant