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Corporal vs Colonel - What's the difference?

corporal | colonel |

As nouns the difference between corporal and colonel

is that corporal is a non-commissioned officer army rank with NATO code OR-4. The rank below a sergeant but above a lance corporal and private while colonel is a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps. In U.S. military, it ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general.

As an adjective corporal

is having a physical, tangible body; corporeal.

corporal

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) corporal (French corporel), from (etyl) ; compare corporeal.

Adjective

(-)
  • (archaic) Having a physical, tangible body; corporeal.
  • * 1603-06 , Macbeth: Ac.1 Sc3, Wm. Shakespeare.
    • Into the air; and what seem'd corporal melted as breath into the wind.
  • Of or pertaining to the body, especially the human body.
    • Synonyms
    * bodily * corporeal
    Derived terms
    * corporality * corporal punishment

    Etymology 2

    Corrupted from the (etyl) caporal, from the (etyl) caporale, from .

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (military) A non-commissioned officer army rank with NATO code . The rank below a sergeant but above a lance corporal and private.
  • A non-commissioned officer rank in the police force, below a sergeant but above a private or patrolman.
    • Derived terms
    * corporal's guard * lance corporal * ship's corporal

    Etymology 3

    From the (etyl) corporale, the neuter of corporalis representing the doctrine of transubstantiation in which the Eucharist becomes the body of Christ.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (ecclesiastical) The white linen cloth on which the elements of the Eucharist are placed; a communion cloth.
  • *
    • Derived terms
    * corporal oath

    colonel

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (l) (obsolete) * (abbreviation) * (abbreviation)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps. In U.S. military, it ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general.
  • *
    • The colonel and his sponsor made a queer contrast: Greystone long and stringy, with a face that seemed as if a cold wind was eternally playing on it. […] But there was not a more lascivious reprobate and gourmand in all London than this same Greystone.

    Usage notes

    * When used as a title, it is always capitalized.

    Related terms

    * bird colonel