Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Personnel \Per`son`nel"\, n. [F. See {Personal}.]
   The body of persons employed in some public service, as the
   army, navy, etc.; -- distinguished from mat['e]riel.

Source : WordNet®

personnel
     n 1: group of people willing to obey orders; "a public force is
          necessary to give security to the rights of citizens"
          [syn: {force}]
     2: the department responsible for hiring and training and
        placing employees and for seting policies for personnel
        management [syn: {personnel department}, {personnel office},
         {staff office}]