Real Dictionary

corporal
A corporal is a non-commissioned officer in the army or United States Marines.

corporal in American English 1
the lowest-ranking noncommissioned officer, just below a sergeant; specif., an enlisted person in the fourth grade in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps
adjective: of the human body; bodily; physical

corporal in American English 2
of the body; bodily
noun: a noncommissioned officer ranking above a private first class in the U.S. Army or lance corporal in the Marines and below a sergeant

corporal in American English 3
a small linen cloth put on the center of the altar, on which the bread and chalice are placed for the Eucharist
noun: a fine cloth, usually of linen, on which the consecrated elements are placed or with which they are covered

corporal in British English 1
adjective: of or relating to the body; bodily

corporal in British English 2
noun: a noncommissioned officer junior to a sergeant in the army, air force, or marines

corporal in British English 3
noun: a white linen cloth on which the bread and wine are placed during the Eucharist