sanbenito

Meaning

Noun

• A sackcloth coat worn by penitents on being reconciled to the church.
• A garment or cap, or sometimes both, painted with flames, figures, etc., and worn by those who had been examined by the Inquisition and were brought forth for the auto da fe.

Origin

• From Spanish sambenito, from its resemblance in shape to the garment of the order of Saint Benedict (San Benito in Spanish).