Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Corporal \Cor"po*ral\, a. [L. corporalis, fr. corpus body. See
   {Corpse}.]
   1. Belonging or relating to the body; bodily. ``Past corporal
      toil.'' --Shak.

            Pillories and other corporal infections. --Milton.

   {Corporal punishment} (law), punishment applied to the body
      of the offender, including the death penalty, whipping,
      and imprisonment.

   2. Having a body or substance; not spiritual; material. In
      this sense now usually written corporeal. --Milton.

            A corporal heaven . . . .where the stare are.
                                                  --Latimer.

            What seemed corporal melted As breath into the wind.
                                                  --Shak.

   Syn: {Corporal}, {Bodily}, {Corporeal}.

   Usage: Bodily is opposed to mental; as, bodily affections.
          Corporeal refers to the whole physical structure or
          nature, of the body; as, corporeal substance or frame.
          Corporal, as now used, refers more to punishment or
          some infliction; as, corporal punishment. To speak of
          corporeal punishment is an error. Bodily austerities;
          the corporeal mold.

Source : WordNet®

corporal punishment
     n : the infliction of physical injury on someone convicted of
         committing a crime