ˈkō(ə)r], -ȯ(ə)r], -ōə], -ȯ(ə)] noun
( plural corps ]z\)
Etymology: French, from Latin corpus body
1.
a. : an organized subdivision of the military establishment
the Marine Corps
the Ordnance Corps
b. : a tactical unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and auxiliary arms and services
c.
(1) : a local unit of the Salvation Army that administers a Salvation Army center
(2) : such a center established for the propagation of the Gospel and the administration of welfare services
2.
a. : a body of persons associated together or acting under common direction
his corps of laborers
b. : a body of persons having a common activity or occupation
a corps of trained lifeguards
the press corps
the English … succeeded in building up a remarkable public service corps — C.J.Friedrich
c. : an association of German university students binding its members to strict adherence to certain customs and a fixed code of honor
3. : corps de ballet