mantilla

Where does the word "mantilla" come from? It comes from Spanish manta, passing through Spanish before entering English (1710s).

Mantilla’s story begins in Spanish: manta meant “cloak.” A blanket or cloak. Within Spanish, it grew into mantilla by 1600s. 'little cloak', worn over a tall comb, the 'peineta'. It reached English by 1710s as mantilla. Borrowed in travel writing on Spain. Today, mantilla means a lace scarf worn over the hair and shoulders.

1. Stage 1 · Spanish · medieval manta "cloak", a blanket or cloak.
2. Stage 2 · Spanish · 1600s mantilla "lace scarf", 'little cloak', worn over a tall comb, the 'peineta'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1710s mantilla "lace scarf", borrowed in travel writing on Spain.