No longer used as one of the vestments of the Roman Catholic church since the Second Vatican Council, the maniple was an embroidered band of silk, about 110cm long, 8cm wide and with ends about 12cm wide. In the same liturgical colours as the other vestments, it was worn upon the left arm of the priest. Originally it was only a piece of linen with which the people used to wipe their face and hands - in a word, a handkerchief. It does not seem to have been used in the Roman liturgy before the twelfth century. It came to symbolize work and sorrow.

The maniple was conferred at the ordination of a subdeacon, and was also worn by deacons, priests, and bishops. It was the common garment of the major orders.