\Man"i*ple\, n. [L. manipulus, maniplus, a handful, a
certain number of soldiers; manus hand + root of plere to
fill, plenus full: cf. F. maniple. See {Manual}, and {Full},
a.]
1. A handful. [R.] --B. Jonson.
2. A division of the Roman army numbering sixty men exclusive
   of officers, any small body of soldiers; a company.
   --Milton.
3. Originally, a napkin; later, an ornamental band or scarf
   worn upon the left arm as a part of the vestments of a
   priest in the Roman Catholic Church. It is sometimes worn
   in the English Church service.