Marrano

[ muh-rah-noh ]

noun

, plural Mar·ra·nos.

1. a Spanish or Portuguese Jew who was converted to Christianity during the late Middle Ages, usually under threat of death or persecution, especially one who continued to adhere to Judaism in secret.

Marrano

/ məˈrɑːnəʊ /

noun

1. a Spanish or Portuguese Jew of the late Middle Ages who was converted to Christianity, esp one forcibly converted but secretly adhering to Judaism

Word History and Origins

Origin of Marrano¹

< Spanish: literally, pig, from the Jewish law forbidding the eating of pork (probably < Arabic maḥram forbidden)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Marrano¹

from Spanish, literally: pig, with reference to the Jewish prohibition against eating pig meat

Example Sentences

Some — known here as Marranos — continued to practice Judaism in secret.

From New York Times

The Marranos were the Jews that converted to Christianity but continued to practice Judaism in the cellar.

From New York Times

Moreover, the Marranos necessarily ignore the most important role of a president, conducting foreign and military policy abroad, which is almost entirely in his hands.

From Washington Post

Nissan Murano: Must be a Jewish car forced by the Spanish to become Catholic, as in Marrano.

From Chicago Tribune

The converted Jews were named New Christians; they were also called Marranos, or the cursed race, from an oath which the Jews were in the habit of using among themselves.

From Project Gutenberg