Definition

Noun: 1. A forced convert in medieval Spain and Portugal: A "converso" was a Jew or Muslim (Moor) who publicly converted to Christianity, typically under threat of persecution, expulsion, or death during the late medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula. Their conversion was often superficial, and many continued to practice their original faith in secret.

Usage and Examples

• Historical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in historical and academic discussions about the Spanish Inquisition and the religious policies of 15th and 16th century Spain and Portugal.
  • Example: Following the 1492 Alhambra Decree, many Jews became conversos to remain in Spain.
  • Example: The Inquisition was particularly suspicious of conversos, accusing them of secretly practicing Judaism.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Secret Adherence: A key aspect of the term "converso" is the implication that the conversion was not sincere. This distinguishes them from other Christian converts.
• Related Terms:
  • Marrano: A derogatory Spanish term, meaning "swine," often used specifically for Jewish converts suspected of secretly adhering to Judaism.
  • Morisco: The term for Muslims who were forced to convert to Christianity.
  • Crypto-Jew or Crypto-Muslim: A person who secretly practices their faith while publicly professing another; this describes the private practice of many conversos.
• Social Tensions: often faced discrimination from "Old Christians" (those with no Jewish or Muslim ancestry), who doubted the sincerity of their faith and resented their social and economic success.

Variants and Related Words

• Convert (noun): A person who has changed their religious faith. This is a general, neutral term, unlike the historically specific "converso."
• New Christian: A contemporary term used for and their descendants, distinguishing them from "Old Christians."

Synonyms

• Forced convert
• Crypto-Jew (specifically for Jewish )
• Crypto-Muslim (specifically for Muslim )
• New Christian (historical administrative term)

Antonyms

• Old Christian ()
• Practicing Jew
• Practicing Muslim

Noun

1. (medieval Spain and Portugal) a Jew or Moor who professed to convert to Christianity in order to avoid persecution or expulsion