a. [ L. corporalis, fr. corpus body. See Corpse. ] 1. Belonging or relating to the body; bodily. “Past corporal toil.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Pillories and other corporal infections. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] Corporal punishment (law), punishment applied to the body of the offender, including the death penalty, whipping, and imprisonment. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Having a body or substance; not spiritual; material. In this sense now usually written corporeal. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] A corporal heaven . . . .where the stare are. Latimer. [ 1913 Webster ] What seemed corporal melted As breath into the wind. Shak. Syn. -- Corporal, Bodily, Corporeal. Bodily is opposed to mental; as, bodily affections. Corporeal refers to the whole physical structure or nature, of the body; as, corporeal substance or frame. Corporal, as now used, refers more to punishment or some infliction; as, corporal punishment. To speak of corporeal punishment is an error. Bodily austerities; the corporeal mold. [ 1913 Webster ] |