\Mule\ (m[=u]l), n. [F., a she-mule, L. mula, fem. of
mulus; cf. Gr. my`klos, mychlo`s. Cf. AS. m[=u]l, fr. L.
mulus. Cf. {Mulatto}.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A hybrid animal; specifically, one generated
   between an ass and a mare, sometimes a horse and a
   she-ass. See {Hinny}.

Note: Mules are much used as draught animals. They are hardy,
      and proverbial for stubbornness.

2. (Bot.) A plant or vegetable produced by impregnating the
   pistil of one species with the pollen or fecundating dust
   of another; -- called also {hybrid}.

3. A very stubborn person.

4. A machine, used in factories, for spinning cotton, wool,
   etc., into yarn or thread and winding it into cops; --
   called also {jenny} and {mule-jenny}.

{Mule armadillo} (Zo["o]l.), a long-eared armadillo (Tatusia
   hybrida), native of Buenos Aires; -- called also {mulita}.
   See Illust. under {Armadillo}.

{Mule deer} (Zo["o]l.), a large deer ({Cervus, or Cariacus,
   macrotis}) of the Western United States. The name refers
   to its long ears.

{Mule pulley} (Mach.), an idle pulley for guiding a belt
   which transmits motion between shafts that are not
   parallel.

{Mule twist}, cotton yarn in cops, as spun on a mule; -- in
   distinction from yarn spun on a throstle frame.