Corps n. sing. & pl.
1. The human body, whether living or dead. [Obs.] See Corpse, 1.
By what craft in my corps, it cometh [commences] and where. --Piers Plowman.
2. A body of men; esp., an organized division of the military establishment; as, the marine corps; the corps of topographical engineers; specifically, an army corps.
A corps operating with an army should consist of three divisions of the line, a brigade of artillery, and a regiment of cavalry. --Gen. Upton (U. S. Tactics. )
3. A body or code of laws. [Obs.]
The whole corps of the law. --Bacon.
4. Eccl. The land with which a prebend or other ecclesiastical office is endowed. [Obs.]
The prebendaries over and above their reserved rents have a corps. --Bacon.
5. In some countries of Europe, a form of students' social society binding the members to strict adherence to certain student customs and its code of honor; -- Ger. spelling usually korps.
Army corps, or (French) Corps d'armée , a body containing two or more divisions of a large army, organized as a complete army in itself.
Corps de logis
Corps diplomatique
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