volapié

noun

vo·​la·​pié

ˌvōləpēˈā

plural -s

: a method of killing a bull in which the matador advances head on toward the bull and lunges in over the horns to drive the blade between the shoulders

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, foot flight, from volar to fly (from Latin volare) + pie foot, from Latin ped-, pes foot

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now