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Glite Dictionary
🐂 A bullfighter's cape 🦯 A crutch 🎭 A false support
muleta

muleta

1 9.9
A small red cloth used by a bullfighter to attract and guide a bull
  • noun
  • /muˈleɪtə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : muleta
  • Manuel swung with the charge, sweeping the muleta ahead of the bull, his feet firm, the sword following the curve, a point of light under the arcs.

Examples

  • His right arm was at his side, and the muleta in his right hand was draped at his feet.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • CUT TO: A fierce bull charges through the matador's red muleta, snorting blood.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • The servant who looked after his fighting suits, the swords, the folded serge muletas, and the capes, all the fighting paraphernalia and the baggage should be up here.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • The matador waved the muleta gracefully, guiding the bull towards him.

  • With the muleta raised high, the crowd watched in anticipation as the bull charged.

  • During the bullfight, the matador skillfully maneuvered the muleta to show his control over the bull.

Surface Forms

muleta singular
muletas plural

Etymology

Muleta comes from Spanish mula ('mule') with the small ending -eta, giving the idea of a 'little mule'. A helpful way to remember the bullfighting muleta is to think of it as a 'little helper' the matador uses to lead and attract the bull, which is why it is the red cloth used to guide the animal.