1. tactical units of the Roman army, each consisting of 120 soldiers
Usage: historical; military
2. liturgical vestments worn by Catholic priests and deacons during Mass
Usage: ecclesiastical; archaic

Examples

• The Roman legion was divided into thirty maniples for battle.
• Each maniple contained soldiers armed with similar weapons.
• The general arranged his maniples in three lines across the field.
• Ancient maniples were more flexible than the earlier phalanx formation.
• The priest wore ornate maniples during the ceremonial Mass.
• Medieval maniples were often decorated with religious symbols.