maniple

The term "maniple" has two primary meanings. In a religious context, it refers to a liturgical vestment, a narrow silk band worn over the left forearm by clergy, symbolizing work and service. This vestment has largely fallen out of use after the Second Vatican Council but is still sometimes seen during traditional Latin masses.1

In a military context, a maniple was a subdivision of the ancient Roman legion, consisting of either 120 or 60 men. The Roman Republic adopted maniples as a more flexible tactical unit than the Greek phalanx, especially for fighting in varied terrain. Maniples were arranged in three lines in a checkerboard pattern, allowing for strategic movement and defense. As Roman armies grew more professional, the cohort eventually replaced the maniple as the primary tactical unit.23