I. ˈkȯrp(ə)rəl, ˈkȯ(ə)p- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English corporale, from Middle French corporal, from Medieval Latin corporale, from Latin, neuter of corporalis of the body; from the doctrine that the bread of the Eucharist becomes or represents the body of Christ
: a linen cloth on which the sacred elements are consecrated in the Eucharist or with which they are covered — called also communion cloth
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English corporel, corporal, from Middle French, from Latin corporalis, from corpor-, corpus body + -alis -al — more at midriff
1.
a. : affecting, related to, or belonging to the body
whipping and other corporal punishments
spiritual and corporal needs
corporal works of mercy
b. obsolete : existing in bodily form discernible to the senses : material , corporeal
what seemed corporal melted as breath into the wind — Shakespeare
c. archaic : performed, or enjoyed with the body : physical
2. : of or relating to the body as distinguished from the head and limbs
Synonyms: see bodily
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, lowest noncommissioned officer, alteration (probably influenced by corps body) of caporal, from Italian caporale, from capo head, chief (after such pairs as Italian tempo time: temporale temporal), from Latin caput head — more at head
1.
a. : a noncommissioned army officer just below a sergeant and above a private first class
b. : a noncommissioned marine officer just below a sergeant and above a lance corporal
2. : a fallfish ( Semotilus corporalis )
3. : an assistant to a precinct police sergeant