from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Corporal \Cor"po*ral\ (k[^o]r"p[-o]*ral), Corporale
\Cor`po*ra"le\ (-r?"l?), 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]