maniple

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A division of the Roman army numbering sixty men exclusive of officers; any small body of soldiers; a company. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]