[tawr-kuh-mah-duh; Sp. tawr-ke-mah-th
ah] 
| To⋅más de [taw-mahs the] , 1420–98, Spanish inquisitor general. |
| Tor·que·ma·da (tôr'kə-mä'də, tôr'kě-mä'thä) Spanish Dominican friar who was appointed grand inquisitor by Pope Innocent VIII (1487). Under his authority, thousands of Jews, suspected witches, and others were killed or tortured during the Spanish Inquisition. |
The first inquisitor-general of the Inquisition in Spain, in the late fifteenth century. Torquemada was known for his severity.
The first inquisitor-general of the Inquisition in Spain, in the late fifteenth century. Torquemada was known for his severity, especially with persons who were charged with illegally practicing Judaism. It is estimated that two thousand people were executed while he was in charge of the Inquisition.
Note: Torquemada's name has come to symbolize ruthless persecution.