corporal

Etymology 1

From Middle English corporal, corporall, corporel, corporell, from Old French corporal (French corporel), from Latin corporālis, from Latin corpus (“body”); compare corporeal.

adj

1. (archaic) Having a physical, tangible body; material, corporeal.
2. Of or pertaining to the body, especially the human body; bodily.
   corporal punishment
   corporal suffering
3. (zoology) Pertaining to the body (the thorax and abdomen), as distinguished from the head, limbs and wings, etc.
   The smaller 9 9 have less elongated fins, drabber corporal colors, and more transparent fins. 1998, Rüdiger Riehl, Aquarium Atlas, volume 3, page 572

Etymology 2

From French caporal, probably influenced by corporal (above), from the Italian caporale, from capo (“head, leader”) from Latin caput (“head”).

noun

1. (military) A non-commissioned officer army rank with NATO code OR-4. The rank below a sergeant but above a lance corporal and private.
2. A non-commissioned officer rank in the police force, below a sergeant but above a private or patrolman.
3. (mining, historical) A worker in charge of the wagonway, reporting to the deputy.

Etymology 3

From Middle English corporall, corporalle, from the Latin corporāle, the neuter of corporālis representing the doctrine of transubstantiation in which the Eucharist becomes the body of Christ.

noun

1. (ecclesiastical) The white linen cloth on which the elements of the Eucharist are placed; a communion cloth.