mule1
n.
- the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, typically sterile. Compare with hinny1.
- a hybrid plant or animal, especially a sterile one.
- an obstinate person.
- informal a courier for illegal drugs.
-
(also spinning mule)
a kind of spinning machine producing yarn on spindles.
Etymology
OE mūl, prob. of Gmc origin, from L. mulus, mula.
mule2
n.
a slipper or light shoe without a back.
Etymology
C16: from Fr., ‘slipper’.