mantilla UK /manˈtɪlə/US /mænˈti(j)ə/ noun2 •A lace veil of Spanish origin worn over a woman's hair and shoulders. •A woman's light cloak or cape made of silk, velvet, lace, or other material.The Duchess of Alba wrapped herself in a mantilla coat, asked her guest to take a chair in the middle of the patio and placed herself three steps behind him in the shade of a magnolia. — 1980 formsmantillas