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

To learn why one of Sunday's bulls had been rejected by the fighters as too tame, Dr. Gaona took a muleta, went into the ring with the bull.

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

El Cordob�s remained rooted, controlling the muleta with his arms and wrist.

From Time Magazine Archive

The bull charged and Romero waited for the charge, the muleta held low, sighting along the blade, his feet firm.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway