Etymology Map
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Mantilla

3 stages from Spanish to English.

Today it means a lace scarf worn over the hair and shoulders

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

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

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.