mule
UK: mjuːl | US: mjuːl
n. 1. The offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, typically sterile and used as a pack animal.
n. 2. (Informal) A stubborn person.
n. 3. (Slang) A person who smuggles drugs or other illicit goods.
The word "mule" traces back to Old English mūl, borrowed from Latin mūlus, which referred to the hybrid animal. The Latin term likely originated from a pre-Latin Mediterranean language, reflecting the ancient practice of breeding donkeys and horses. The "stubborn" meaning emerged from the animal's stereotypical temperament, while the "smuggler" sense (20th century) metaphorically likens covert carriers to the beast of burden.
The farmer used a mule to transport goods across the mountain.
Don’t be such a mule—compromise is necessary sometimes.
Authorities arrested a drug mule at the airport.
Mules are valued for their endurance in rough terrain.
She compared his obstinacy to that of a mule.