samarra

On the way to the place of execution they were clothed in the samarra, a sort of scapular of cloth or cotton, yellow or red, upon which dragons, demons, and flames were painted, among which could be seen the picture of the criminal.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 10: Mass Music-Newman 1840-1916 1913

i can deconstruct the paragraph for you, if you would like. but, essentially, the difference is one of tone and oversight. negroponte has already added his special touch of underhanded murder and civil unrest for which he is famous…samarra and the hooded death squads being classic moves.

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