muleta
UK[mjuːˈleɪtə]US[muːˈleɪtə]
n
A short red cape, typically draped over a stick, used by a matador during the final stages of a bullfight.
Etymology
The word 'muleta' entered English directly from Spanish, retaining its specialized meaning from the tradition of bullfighting. In Spanish, 'muleta' originally meant a crutch or a support, derived from 'mula' (a mule), an animal historically used as a beast of burden and support. The semantic shift from a general "support" to the specific bullfighting cape is logical, as the cape is draped over a wooden stick (the 'estoque' or sword), which acts as a support for the fabric and the matador's maneuvers. Thus, the term's journey reflects a borrowing of a concrete cultural object, with its name preserving the metaphorical idea of a prop or aid.
Analysis
The word is a direct loanword from Spanish. It is a simplex form in English, derived from the Spanish word 'muleta', meaning "crutch" or "support," which itself is a diminutive form of the Spanish 'mula' (mule), from Latin 'mūla' (she-mule). Its functional role is as a complete noun.
Examples
The matador skillfully maneuvered the bull with his muleta.
The bright red color of the muleta is traditional in the bullring.
In the final act, he used the muleta to guide the bull for the sword thrust.