A name given to Spanish Mohammedans and their descendants who were permitted to remain in Spain under pretence of conversion to Christianity. They remained the implacable enemies of their conquerors with whom they differed in religion, dress, language, etc., and plotted with the Mussulmans. Philip II tried to make them renounce their dress and language, whereupon they revolted and engaged in a bloody struggle against Spain, 1567-1570. The defeated Moriscos were transplanted to the interior and finally expelled from Spain, 1609.