From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishlance corporalˌlance ˈcorporal noun [countable] PMAa low level rank in the Marines or the British army, or someone who has this rankOrigin lance corporal (1700-1800) lancepesade “officer of lowest rank” ((16-19 centuries)), from early French lancepessade, from Old Italian lancia spezzata “broken lance, experienced soldier”
