Although the stranglers are termed Phansigars, from phansee, a noose of cord, yet in practice they scarcely ever use a cord, which if it were found upon them would at once betray and convict them; they employ instead, to effect their murderous purpose, the roomal, a strip of cloth which appears innocent and harmless enough-it might be a turban or a waist cloth-but which in their expert and practised hands is equally effectual.
"Tales of the Caliph"
H. N. Crellin
On the cloth Jowahir took his place, and seated with him also on the cloth were seven Phansigars or stranglers, no Ghumgeea, or any member of the gang of a grade inferior to an actual and experienced strangler, being admitted to sit on the cloth.
"Tales of the Caliph"
H. N. Crellin
"Jack Moore, bein' as I explains former, the execyootive of the stranglers, an' responsible for law an' order, has a heap of shootin' shoved onto him from time to time.
"Wolfville Nights"
Alfred Lewis