As it is the case of the ropera sword (rapier), since the castilian word "ropa", in this context, is the civil attire, by opposition to the uniforms used by the military. Originally the "espada ropera" was a civil sword, though latter it could have also uses on the battlefield.

The french word "L'aube" is pronounced more or less as "lob", which became "loba" in castilian, since in this language we don´t have words ending in "b", and a vocal "a" is added to naturalize it.

It's Loba also in portuguese ... and is the name of a Magistrate's robe.

I was tricked by this wolf in sheep's clothing !! :)

:eek:

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