corpus vi·le \-ˈvī(ˌ)lē\noun (pluralcorpora vil·ia \-ˈvilēə\) Etymology: New Latin, literally, worthless body : something felt to be of so little value that it may be experimented with or upon without concern for loss or damage < literature may come to be used as a corpus vile for acute dons to sharpen their wits upon — Times Literary Supplement >