Converso

A converso (Spanish: [komˈberso]; Portuguese: [kõˈvɛɾsu]; Catalan:convers [kumˈbɛrs], [komˈvɛɾs]; "a convert", from Latin conversvs, "converted, turned around") and its feminine form conversa was a Jew who converted to Catholicism in Spain or Portugal, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries, or one of their descendents. The majority of Spain's Jews converted to Christianity as a result of the pogroms in 1391. The remaining Jews who had chosen to remain practicing Jews were finally expelled during the Alhambra decree in 1492. A significant portion chose to join the already large Convert community rather than face exile. Over the following two centuries Conversos were subject to discriminatory laws and harassment by the Inquisition.