Mantilla
/mænˈtiːjə/noun
A small, light shawl or veil, especially one worn over the head and shoulders by women in Spanish-speaking cultures.
Did you know?Mantilla comes from the same Latin root as mantle and may be tied to the idea of a protective covering, which is why so many related words across Europe carry the sense of cloaking or enfolding.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
mantellum
“a cloak or covering”
Old Spanish
Spanish
mantilla
“a small cloak or covering”
16th Century
Spanish
mantilla
“a light veil or shawl worn by women”
18th Century
English
mantilla
“a Spanish-style lace veil or shawl”
Modern English
English
mantilla
“a decorative veil or shawl, especially associated with formal or traditional dress”