muleta

American  

[moo-ley-tuh, -let-uh] / muˈleɪ tə, -ˈlɛt ə /

noun

1. 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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muleta British  

/ mjuːˈlɛtə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of muleta

1830–40; < Spanish: prop, support, muleta, diminutive of mula (feminine) mule ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

muleta

Most matadors keep the muleta between them and the bull.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a few minutes he was back at the market with a faded red muleta and, wrapped in its folds, the blade of his favorite sword.

From Time Magazine Archive

Manolete, with a flick of the wrist, will transfer the bull's attention back to the muleta.

From Time Magazine Archive

Manuel was facing the bull again, the muleta held low and to the left.

From Time Magazine Archive

Out in the centre of the ring Romero profiled in front of the bull, drew the sword out from the folds of the muleta, rose on his toes, and sighted along the blade.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway