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

There were in Portugal hardly any but Jewish, that is to say, Marrano physicians.

From Project Gutenberg

In spite of this he was recognized, and denounced to the Inquisition as a seditious Marrano.

From Project Gutenberg

A still more abusive popular appellation was Marrano, which means both hog and accursed.

From Project Gutenberg

Antonio de Montezinos was a Marrano, whom business or love of travel had led to America.

From Project Gutenberg

A Marrano physician named Jacob Zemach appears to have stood at their head.

From Project Gutenberg