転ころびキリシタン

noun

apostate Christian; fallen Christian

Historical term for a Christian who was forced to renounce their faith during the Edo-period persecution. Often carries a nuance of having been coerced or having succumbed under pressure.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だい、多おおくのキリシタンが転ころびキリシタンとなった。

  During the Edo period, many Christians became apostates.

• 転ころびキリシタンの中なかには、密ひそかに信しん仰こうを続つづけた者ものもいた。

  Among the fallen Christians, some continued to practice their faith in secret.