sanbenito Definition
a garment of yellow cloth bearing a red cross, worn by the Inquisition as a sign of public penance by those convicted of heresy or other crimes against the church.
Using sanbenito: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sanbenito" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sanbenito was used as a form of humiliation and punishment during the Spanish Inquisition.
Phrases with sanbenito
Example
He was forced to wear a sanbenito and parade through the streets as a punishment for his heretical beliefs.
Example
She was able to escape the sanbenito by recanting her beliefs and confessing to the Inquisition.
sanbenito de vergüenza
a situation or event that causes great shame or humiliation
Example
His arrest and trial were a sanbenito de vergüenza for his family.
Origins of sanbenito
from Spanish 'sambenito', alteration of 'San Benito', meaning 'Saint Benedict'
Summary: sanbenito in Brief
A 'sanbenito' [san-buh-nee-toh] is a garment of yellow cloth with a red cross that was worn by the Inquisition as a sign of public penance by those convicted of heresy or other crimes against the church. It was used as a form of humiliation and punishment during the Spanish Inquisition. Phrases like 'to wear a sanbenito' and 'escape the sanbenito' refer to being publicly shamed or avoiding public shame.
