muleta

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

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.

muleta

/ mjuːˈlɛtə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of muleta¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of muleta¹

Spanish: small mule, crutch, from mula mule ¹

Example Sentences

"Corrida is a tradition, an art, a dance with the bull," said Baptiste, one of about a dozen students who learn to wave the traditional red muleta cloth in front of bulls in the Arles bullfighting school.

From Reuters

I was looking for a wild seductress waving the scarlet muleta of freedom before the charging bull of her own fate, and too often I got Exasperated Disney Heroine.

From Washington Post

He profiled directly in front of the bull, drew the sword out of the folds of the muleta and sighted along the blade.

From Literature

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

From Literature

With the bull who could not see the colors of the capes, or the scarlet flannel of the muleta, Romero had to make the bull consent with his body.

From Literature