\Cor"po*ral\ (k[^o]r"p[-o]*ral), n. [Corrupted fr. F.
caporal, It. caporale, fr. capo head, chief, L. caput. See
{Chief}, and cf. {Caporal}.] (Mil.)
A noncommissioned officer, next below a sergeant. In the
United States army he is the lowest noncommissioned officer
in a company of infantry. He places and relieves sentinels.
{Corporal's guard}, a detachment such as would be in charge
   of a corporal for guard duty, etc.; hence, derisively, a
   very small number of persons.
{Lance corporal}, an assistant corporal on private's pay.
   --Farrow.
{Ship's corporal} (Naut.), a petty officer who assists the
   master at arms in his various duties.

\Cor"po*ral\, a. [L. corporalis, fr. corpus body. See
{Corpse}.]
1. Belonging or relating to the body; bodily. ``Past corporal
   toil.'' --Shak.
         Pillories and other corporal infections. --Milton.
{Corporal punishment} (law), punishment applied to the body
   of the offender, including the death penalty, whipping,
   and imprisonment.
2. Having a body or substance; not spiritual; material. In
   this sense now usually written corporeal. --Milton.
         A corporal heaven . . . .where the stare are.
                                               --Latimer.
         What seemed corporal melted As breath into the wind.
                                               --Shak.
Syn: {Corporal}, {Bodily}, {Corporeal}.
Usage: Bodily is opposed to mental; as, bodily affections.
       Corporeal refers to the whole physical structure or
       nature, of the body; as, corporeal substance or frame.
       Corporal, as now used, refers more to punishment or
       some infliction; as, corporal punishment. To speak of
       corporeal punishment is an error. Bodily austerities;
       the corporeal mold.

\Cor"po*ral\ (k[^o]r"p[-o]*ral), Corporale