{ ‖ } n. [ LL. corporale: cf. F. corporal. See Corporal, a. ] A fine linen cloth, on which the sacred elements are consecrated in the eucharist, or with which they are covered; a communion cloth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Corporal oath, a solemn oath; -- so called from the fact that it was the ancient usage for the party taking it to touch the corporal, or cloth that covered the consecrated elements. [ 1913 Webster ]