muleta

[ moo-ley-tuh, -let-uh ]

/ muˈleɪ tə, -ˈlɛt ə /

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noun

a red cloth similar to but smaller than a capa and manipulated by a stick set into one of the three holes in or near the center, for use by a matador in guiding the course of the bull's attack in the stage of the fight preparatory to the kill.

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Origin of muleta

1830–40; <Spanish: prop, support, muleta, diminutive of mula (feminine) mule¹

Words nearby muleta

muleheaded, mules, mule skinner, Mules operation, mule spinning, muleta, muleteer, mule train, muley, muley saw, mulga

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use muleta in a sentence

Each pass of his muleta was accompanied by acclamations of enthusiasm and shouts of fear.
The Blood of the Arena|Vicente Blasco Ibez
He extended his muleta and the beast attacked with sonorous bellowing, passing beneath the red rag.
The Blood of the Arena|Vicente Blasco Ibez
Gallardo turned his back to these protests and saluted the enthusiasts with his muleta and sword.
The Blood of the Arena|Vicente Blasco Ibez
As he stood an instant with his muleta held low the bull made a movement as if to charge, but did not stir.
The Blood of the Arena|Vicente Blasco Ibez

And all hailed the pases de muleta with enthusiasm, including combatant and wild beast in common approbation.
The Blood of the Arena|Vicente Blasco Ibez

British Dictionary definitions for muleta

muleta

/ (mjuːˈlɛtə) /

noun

the small cape attached to a stick used by the matador during the final stages of a bullfight

Word Origin for muleta

Spanish: small mule, crutch, from mula mule 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012