Maniple, pronounced as /ˈmæn.ə.pl̩/, is a term that originates from the Latin word "manipulus." It means a military unit that consists of around 120 soldiers in the Roman army. The spelling of the word maniple comprises three syllables: "man-i-ple." The first syllable, "man," is pronounced as /mæn/, the second syllable "i" as /ɪ/, and the last syllable "ple" as /pl̩/. In common usage, "maniple" can also refer to a piece of fabric worn by Catholic priests during a religious service.
Maniple (noun) refers to a liturgical vestment used in the Roman Catholic Church and certain Anglican churches. It consists of a long, narrow band of fabric, usually silk or velvet, attached at one end to a stiff piece of cardboard or heavy fabric, and worn over the left arm, reaching from the wrist to the elbow. The origins of the maniple can be traced back to ancient Roman times, when it was a practical accessory used by soldiers to wipe sweat from their faces.
In Christian liturgy, the maniple is primarily worn by a priest celebrating the Tridentine Mass or the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. It is an integral part of the priest's vestments, alongside the alb, stole, and chasuble. Although its use has diminished in recent decades with the liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council, it continues to be worn by some traditionalist clergy and during special occasions.
Symbolically, the maniple represents the toil and hardships of the priesthood and is meant to remind the priest of the need for perseverance and fortitude in his sacred duties. It also serves as a visual reminder of the importance of humility and service. The use of the maniple in the liturgy adds a beautiful and distinctive element to the overall sacred atmosphere and is cherished by those who hold on to the traditions of the pre-Vatican II Catholic Church.
In anc. Rome, a small band of soldiers; an ornament like a scarf worn about the left arm of a priest at mass.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "maniple" comes from the Latin term "manipulus", which can be broken down into two parts:
- "mani-" derived from "manus", meaning "hand"
- "-pulus" derived from "plere", meaning "to fill" or "to hold"
In ancient Rome, a "manipulus" referred to a small group of soldiers or a handful of any substance. Over time, the term was used in various contexts, including as a liturgical accessory worn by Roman Catholic clergy during the Mass. In this religious context, the "maniple" was a strip of fabric hung over the left forearm of a priest as a symbol of work and service.