secretadj.n.

Brit.

/ˈsiːkrᵻt/, U.S.

/ˈsikrᵻt/

Forms: Also Middle English secrette, Middle English–1500s secrete, (Middle English sekret), 1500s secreet, secrett, ( seycrette, seacreate), Scottish secreit, sacreit, 1500s–1600s secreate, 1600s seacret, ( secrit).

Etymology: < French secret adjective and noun (Old French also secré : see secre adj. and n.), < Latin sēcrētus adjective (neuter sēcrētum used substantively, a secret), originally past participle of sēcernĕre to separate, divide off: see secern v. Compare Provençal secret, Spanish secreto, Portuguese secreto, segredo, Italian secreto, segredo (all used as adjective and noun).

A. adj.

1. Kept from knowledge or observation; hidden, concealed.

a. Predicatively (esp. in to keep secret): Kept from public knowledge, or from the knowledge of persons specified; not allowed to be known, or only by selected persons.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective]

dernc897

dighela1000

hid?c1225

stillc1275

stillyc1275

covertc1303

secrec1374

secret1399

secretivec1470

covered1484

dark1532

underhid1532

hiddena1547

concealed1558

abstruse1576

unshewing1598

mystical1600

of secreta1616

mystica1625

subterraneous1652

researched1653

hugger-mugger1692

hidlingsa1810

sub rosa1824

cachet1837

cloak and dagger1841

theftuous1881

q.t.1910

closet1966

down-low1991

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep quiet about [phrase]

to keep or hold (a matter) counsel (later in counsela1400

to keep secret1399

to keep (something) dark1532

to draw a veil over1582

not to tell one's shirt1586

to keep one's (own) counsel1604

to put (also keep) in one's pocketa1616

to name no names1692

to make a secret of1738

to keep (‥) snug1778

to clap, put, or keep the thumb on1825

to wash one's dirty linen at home, in public1867

to hold back1956

to sweep (also brush, kick, etc.) (something) under the rug1956

to get it off one's chest1961

to sweep (or push) (something) under the carpet1963

1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles Prol. 61 Lete ȝoure conceill corette it [sc. this treatise]..ffor ȝit it is secrette.

1474 [see sense A. 2a].

1481 in Eng. Gilds (1870) 317 Ye shal not dyscouer þ^e counsell of þ^e bretherynhod or of þ^e crafte, þ^t ye have knowlych of, þ^t shold be sekret w^tyn ouer-selfe.

1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 3 Parys kept hys loue secrete.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lxxij I kept nothing secret from your Ambassadours.

1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 47 The Renegados..kept his death secret.

1799 R. Sickelmore Agnes & Leonora II. 164 It was as much to their interest as my own to keep the affair secret.

1831 W. Scott Count Robert iii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. III. 61 The task in which he was engaged was to be kept most strictly secret.

1879 ‘E. Lyall’ Won by Waiting xxx Bertha's flight must be kept secret.

b. Of a place: Removed from the resort of men; retired, remote, lonely, secluded, solitary; hence, affording privacy or seclusion. Also rarely of time. Chiefly archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > a secret place, hiding place > [adjective]

dernOE

blindc1386

secret?a1513

to lie perdu1791

society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > secluded place or place of seclusion > [adjective]

secrec1374

blindc1386

privatea1513

secret?a1513

shadowy1555

close1571

retired1593

retrait1603

sequestrate1632

recessful1646

recluse1650

reserved1653

secessive1653

coy1670

sequestrated1726

slya1764

secluded1798

shy1841

retiracied1856

undisprivacied1870

madding1874

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > conducted in private > of conversation, etc.

particular1442

secret?a1513

secre?1553

private1560

confidential1759

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 106 In secreit place this hyndir nycht I hard [etc.].

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. D2^v To..plant goodnesse euen in the secretest cabinet of our soules.

1604 M. Drayton Moyses i. 12 Softly she [i.e. Pharaoh's daughter] walkes downe to the secret flood,..In the coole streames to check the pampred blood.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. iii. 84 Put them in secret holds.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 6 Sing Heav'nly Muse, that on the secret top Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire That Shepherd.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 116 Let not Sleep, my closing Eyes invade, In open Plains, or in the secret Shade.

1773 W. Cowper Shrubbery 19 They seek, like me, the secret shade.

1820 P. B. Shelley To Skylark in Prometheus Unbound 203 Soothing her love-laden Soul in secret hour.

1830 Ld. Tennyson Poet 10 With echoing feet he threaded The secretest walks of fame.

1858 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 13 June in French & Ital. Notebks. (1980) v. 314 Powers took us into a room apart—apparently the secretest room he had—and showed us some tools..of his own..invention.

1900 G. C. Brodrick Mem. & Impr. 203 To exchange opinions..no longer through whispers in the secret chambers, but through open talk in drawing-rooms and even ball-rooms.

†c. Of a person, etc.: Secluded from observation. Chiefly predicative. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective]

sundereOE

privyc1300

close1393

private1472

soleinc1475

secret1528

retired1595

implicit1610

cabinet1611

underhanda1616

closet1639

umbratile1640

closeteda1649

curtain1661

recluse1673

snug1710

pocket1804

entre nous1806

underground1820

sub rosa1824

esoterical1850

esoteric1876

1528 S. Gardiner in N. Pocock Rec. Reformation (1870) I. xlvii. 90 Being compelled for want of apparel to keep ourselves secret one whole day.

1592 R. Greene Pandosto (new ed.) sig. B Franion beeing secret in his chamber, began to meditate with himselfe in these termes.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 206 When they are secret and alone by themselues, they will practise leaping, dancing, and other strange feats.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. iv. 47 In this Citty will I stay, And liue alone as secret as I may.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 522 So all ere day spring, under conscious Night Secret they finish'd.

d. Of actions, negotiations, agreements, etc.: Done or entered into with the intention of being concealed; clandestine. †Also rarely of movements: Stealthy.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > stealthy action, stealth > [adjective] > accomplished by stealth

stolenc1400

secret1548

clandestine1566

stealed1577

backdoor1581

underhand1592

surreptitial1602

surreptitious?1615

furtive1628

surreptious1630

by1633

surreptive1633

subreptitious1641

surreptitious1645

postern1648

backstairs1663

smuggled1707

underneath1747

underhanded1806

hidlingsa1810

hole-and-corner1835

side door1862

under-cover1933

under the table1938

crafty1946

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > stealthy action, stealth > stealthy movement > [adjective]

creepinga1400

slyc1440

prowling1546

stealing1574

sneaking1590

cat-footed1598

soft-footed1603

surrepent1608

cat-likea1616

stealthya1616

grassant1659

sliving1661

creep-mouse1766

secret1768

slinking1841

pussy-footed1893

undercreeping1893

pussyfooting1926

slinky1951

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cciij^v He caused hym by secrete iourneys in the nyght to be conueyed to Middelham Castell in Yorkeshyre.

1563 W. Baldwin et al. Myrrour for Magistrates (new ed.) Hastings lxxxix So can god reape vp secrete mischiefs wrought, To the confusyon of the workers thought.

1611 Bible (King James) Psalms lxiv. 2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked.

a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 103 Secret therefore, must Abstinence be.

1642 D. Rogers Naaman 428 Shall I make conscience of smaller, secreter offences, and shall I not much more abhor the grosser.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1670 (1955) III. 562 The Treasurer, who put into my hands those seacret pieces and Transactions concerning the Dutch war.

1705 Ld. Shaftesbury Let. to Le Clerc 8–13 Feb. in Notes & Queries (1851) 1st Ser. III. 98/1 [Lord Shaftesbury] entrusted him [Locke] with his secretest negotiations.

1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 138. ⁋1 Secret Kindnesses done to Mankind are as beautiful as secret Injuries are detestable.

1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 178 I heard secret treadings and mutterings.

1799 A. Paget in Paget Papers (1896) I. 152 I am led to think that there are Secret Articles in the Treaty of Campo Formio that are Monstrous.

1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci iii. i. 48 I wasted The sum in secret riot.

1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xv. 133 Rebecca..owned there was a secret attachment.

1903 J. Morley Life Gladstone II. vi. vii. 366 All the highest abstract arguments were against secret voting.

e. Of doctrines, ceremonies, language, signs, methods of procedure, remedies, and the like: Kept from the knowledge of the uninitiated.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > a profound secret, mystery > [adjective] > kept secret, esoteric

occult1480

secret1526

acroamatical1579

acroamatic1635

acroatic1656

esoteric1660

esoterical1850

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii^v What so euer secret doctrine of perfeccion you take or lerne of this pore treatyse.

1809 J. Roland Amateur of Fencing ii.xi. 213 I think it proper to finish the subject of Erroneous Opinions, by confuting an error as common..which is that of an infallible thrust..This wonderful thing is called a secret thrust.

1823 G. Roland Treat. Art Fencing ix. 143 Others..have pretended to sell them secret passes, applicable on all occasions.

1825 W. Scott Betrothed ii, in Tales Crusaders I. 22 They..were initiated into their order by secret and mystic solemnities.

f. Of feelings, passions, thoughts: Not openly avowed or expressed; concealed, disguised; also, in stronger sense, known only to the subject, inward, inmost. Hence said of the heart, soul, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > innermost

inmostc897

innerc900

privyc1300

intrinsic1490

interior1548

intrinsical1548

inward1548

secret1548

retired1596

in-pent1613

bosom1640

sneaking1748

interior1775

inside1888

1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John i. f. 47–9 Jesus yet declaring..how he knew the thoughts of men, were they neuer so secret.

1568 Ballad against Evil Women in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 33 Go follow thame quha list vnlawty leir Secreit invy [etc.].

1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. H2^v Nor shall he smile at thee in secret thought.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. iv. 14 I haue vnclasp'd To thee the booke euen of my secret soule.

1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (xvii. 3 Paraphr.) 85 The searcher of the secretest thoughts.

1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 142 I had a secret Joy at the News.

1747 T. Gray Ode Eton Coll. 6 Or Jealousy with rankling Tooth, That inly gnaws the secret Heart.

1818 P. B. Shelley Julian & Maddalo 341 My secret groans must be unheard by thee.

1825 W. Scott Talisman vii, in Tales Crusaders III. 160 Holding them in his secret soul little better than the Saracens.

1862 H. Spencer First Princ. i. i. §5. 19 That the theological party regard Science with so much secret alarm.

1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. ii. 10 You will all of you execrate Lady Tippins in your secret hearts.

†g. Abstruse, recondite; beyond ordinary apprehension or beyond unaided human intelligence. Of a person or thing: Pertaining to or dealing with mystical or occult matters. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > [adjective]

higheOE

dighela1000

deepc1000

darkOE

starkOE

dusk?c1225

subtle1340

dimc1350

subtilea1393

covert1393

mystica1398

murka1400

cloudyc1400

hard?c1400

mistyc1400

unclearc1400

diffuse1430

abstractc1450

diffused?1456

exquisitec1460

obnubilous?a1475

obscure?a1475

covered1484

intricate?a1500

nice?a1500

perplexeda1500

difficilea1513

difficult1530

privy1532

smoky1533

secret1535

abstruse?1549

difficul1552

entangled1561

confounded1572

darksome1574

obnubilate1575

enigmatical1576

confuse1577

mysteriousa1586

Delphic1598

obfuscatea1600

enfumed1601

Delphicala1603

obstruse1604

abstracted1605

confused1611

questionable1611

inevident1614

recondite1619

cryptic1620

obfuscated1620

transcendent1624

Delphian1625

oraculous1625

enigmatic1628

recluse1629

abdite1635

undilucidated1635

clouded1641

benighted1647

oblite1650

researched1653

obnubilated1658

obscurative1664

tenebrose1677

hyperbyssal1691

condite1695

diffusive1709

profound1710

tenebricose1730

oracular1749

opaque1761

unenlightening1768

darkling1795

offuscating1798

unrecognizable1817

tough1820

abstrusive1848

obscurant1878

out-of-focus1891

unplumbable1895

inenubilable1903

non-transparent1939

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms l. 6 Thou..hast shewed me secrete wyszdome.

1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. xxix. 72 b The Pilots (being not as yet acquainted with the secret signification of a spowte)..thought the same to bee a signe of faire weather.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iv. i. 64 How now you secret, black, & midnight Hags? What is't you do?

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 77 I..to my State grew stranger, being transported And rapt in secret studies.

1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. ii. 15 Pericles.., could easily reduce the exercise of his mind from secret obstrusive things to publick popular causes.

1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. lxxx. 361 Menante..is very diligent in prying into the very secretest passages of Pernassus.

1727 D. Defoe Syst. Magick i. i. 3 They took it for granted that those Seers dealt in all secret Matters.

1775 J. Harris Philos. Arrangem. xi. 259 Such too are those more secret Operations of Bodies, whether magnetic or electric.

h. Of a committee, conclave, etc.: Conducted with secrecy; that keeps its deliberations unknown to the public. Also secret session (originally U.S.), a meeting of a legislative or deliberative body, conducted in secret.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > conducted in private

sunderlyeOE

quiet1488

strict1606

secret1667

in camera1899

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 795 The great Seraphic Lords and Cherubim In close recess and secret conclave sat.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 66 He early suggested to the King the expediency of appointing a secret committee of Roman Catholics.

1872 W. Bagehot Eng. Constit. (ed. 2) p. xlvii This objection might be easily avoided by requiring that the discussion upon treaties in Parliament like that discussion in the American Senate should be ‘in secret session’, and that no report should be published of it.

1916 H. H. Asquith in Hansard Commons 27 Nov. 37 I think it would be premature to consider this question till it has been decided whether a Secret Session should be held.

1940 W. S. Churchill Secret Session Speeches (1946) 17 The reason why I asked the House to go into Secret Session was not because I had anything particularly secret or momentous to say.

1946 G. B. Shaw Geneva (ed. 2) 4 All threatening news was mentioned only in secret sessions of parliament, hidden under heavy penalties.

i. Hidden from sight; not discernible or visible; unseen (chiefly poetic). Also secret dovetail (Joinery): (see quot. 1972).

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > invisibility > [adjective]

unseyenlyc1175

unsenec1200

unseeinga1300

invisible1340

unperceptiblea1398

unseeablea1400

unvisiblec1402

unsightablea1420

unsightyc1440

unperceivable?a1475

unsightfulc1480

imperceptible1536

secret1559

sightless1586

undiscernable1586

invised1609

viewlessa1616

imperceivablea1617

unspiablea1618

inconspicuous1624

undiscernible1624

inconspicablea1652

imperspicable1664

unperceptable1678

imperceptive1722

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > [adjective] > hidden

dighela1000

dernc1000

wriena1250

privyc1300

unshewedc1386

wrapped1398

quatc1425

tectc1440

blinda1522

coucheda1522

dark1532

lurkingc1540

velated1542

hiddena1547

inclusive1554

concealed1558

secret1559

occult1567

disguised1594

occulted1598

derned1600

shrouded1600

latent1605

abstrused1608

supposed1608

unshown1614

enshielda1616

retruse1623

dissembled1631

researched1636

recondite1649

delitescent1653

larved1654

tected1657

bedilt1660

bosomed1667

inhidden1674

underground1677

abditive1727

secreted1756

unextruded1808

unprotruded1812

undisplayed1822

larvated1832

dissimulated1838

latescent1852

squat1956

1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Clifford 5 Nought so secrete but at length is spied.

1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 6^v So by the subtile secret baite the selie beast is taen.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. i. 174 Those that care to keepe your Royall Person From Treasons secret Knife.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 15 Ye Boys, who pluck the Flow'rs,..Beware the secret Snake, that shoots a sting.

1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 22 With secret course, which no loud storms annoy, Glides the smooth current of domestic joy.

1781 W. Cowper Charity 369 Some [rills]..down the sloping hills, Winding a secret or an open course.

1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna xi. xix. 246 The men..Drew forth their secret steel, and stabbed each ardent youth.

1882 W. J. Christy Pract. Treat. Joints 168 Mitred Dovetail Joint... It is also designated secret dovetail.

1963 F. Hilton Adv. Carpentry & Joinery x. 180/2 Two members are jointed using a secret dovetail and the third stub-tenoned, with the surfaces mitred.

1972 Gloss. Terms Timber (B.S.I.) 52 Secret dovetail, a dovetailed angle in which dovetails are used but do not show on the face of either member.

j. secret parts, †secret members: the external organs of sex.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > sex organs > [noun]

shapea1000

shameOE

i-cundeOE

memberc1300

privy memberc1325

kindc1330

privitiesc1375

harness1382

shameful parts1382

genitoriesa1387

partc1390

tailc1390

genitalsa1393

thingc1405

genitalc1450

privy parts1533

secret1535

loin?1541

genitures1548

filthy parts1553

shamefulness1561

ware1561

meatc1564

natural places1569

secret members1577

lady ware1592

natural parts1601

lady's ware1608

gear1611

private parts1623

groin1631

pudendums1634

natural1650

privacies1656

sex1664

secrecyc1675

nudities1677

affair1749

sexual parts1753

person1824

sex organ1847

privates1940

naughty bits1972

1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 23 The Stockdoues secrete parts make lumpishe, dull, and dedde: Shunne hym to eate.

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 237 Guyl. Faith her priuates we. Ham. In the secret parts of Fortune.

1644 Reg. Privy Council Scott. 2nd Ser. VIII. 101 They causit thair officers..search our bodies and secreitt memberis for witch~markis.

1664 R. Hubert Catal. Rarities (1665) 12 A Nest of a Bird made like the secret parts of a man.

k. Of a door, chamber drawer, passage, or mechanical contrivance: Designed to escape observation or detection. secret ink: ‘invisible’ or ‘sympathetic’ ink.Hence secret springer, one who makes secret springs.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > [adjective] > hidden > designed to escape detection

secreta1616

society > communication > writing > writing materials > ink > [noun] > invisible ink

invisible ink1684

sympathetic ink1721

secret ink1852

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. v. 10 The English..Went through a secret Grate of Iron Barres, In yonder Tower, to ouer-peere the Citie.

1737 E. Hoppus Salmon's Country Builder's Estimator (ed. 2) 110 Secret Pad-Locks.

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. xvi. 355 Pointing out to her a secret drawer.

1807 G. Crabbe Birth Flattery in Poems 193 But by a secret Spring, the Wall would move.

1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lxvii. 613 Put away in what they call the secret drawers of the desk.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 667 Secret passages were made from dwelling to dwelling.

1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. xii. 286 As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire.

1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Secret-springer, one who puts in watch-springs.

1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere III. vii. xlvi. 309 A young ‘secret springer’, to use the mysterious terms of the trade [sc. watch-making].

†l. Of a sound: Little audible. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adjective]

unhearable1483

unaudible1611

inaudiblea1616

secret1670

subaudible1837

1670 W. Clarke Nat. Hist. Nitre 28 Being fired in the open air, it [gunpowder] maketh but a flash, and a more secret noise.

m. Of an agent: That works in secret. Of a person: That is secretly (what is expressed by the noun).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > that is secretly such

inward1548

secreta1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. i. 135 A secret & villanous contriuer against mee his naturall brother.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 7 [O that] our first Parents had bin warnd The coming of thir secret foe.

1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Palamon & Arcite ii, in Fables 45 There saw I how the secret Fellon wrought.

1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 125 Resolv'd..to be..A seeming Widow, and a secret Bride.

1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. v. 84 Others, who were my secret Enemies, could not forbear some Expressions, which by a side-wind reflected on me.

n. quasi-adv. Apart; secretly, in secret. Also in combinations with adjectives, as secret-breathed, secret-dimpling, secret-smiling, secret-stimulating, secret-tripping.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb]

stillyc1000

dernlyc1175

dernea1200

privement?c1225

hidlingsa1250

in hidela1300

in scubardisa1300

stilla1300

hidel-likea1325

privyc1330

ywryȝeliche1340

in secre wysec1374

hidinglya1382

hidlya1382

in privy1384

closea1387

secrelyc1386

stalworthlya1400

covertlyc1400

secrec1405

in hidlings1422

secretly1447

secretementc1470

in secret1474

hugger-muggera1529

in hugger-mugger1529

secret1539

underboard1548

closely1552

darkly1559

in secret wise1563

hiddenly1580

tectly1587

underwater1600

concealedly1622

underground1632

occultly1641

in petto1647

under the rosea1704

subterraneously1791

suppressedly1825

underfoot1860

1539 in W. A. J. Archbold Somerset Relig. Houses (1892) 81 He went to hys chambre, were he callyd me secrett un to hym.

a1600 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems xxxiv. 28 Secreit to meit.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. ii. 15 Be secret false: what need she be acquainted?

1725 L. Eusden tr. Ovid Amours ii. v, in Epist. 274 The secret-tripping Dame.

1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 1 [Ulysses] Consulting secret with the blue-ey'd Maid.

1744 E. Young Complaint: Night the Seventh 21 Nor is thy Life, O Virtue! less in Debt To Praise, thy secret-stimulating Friend.

1780 S. J. Pratt Emma Corbett III. cxxxviii. 158 The secret-breathed prayer.

1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 70 She had devised How she might secret to the forest hie.

1925 E. Blunden Eng. Poems 83 Black was the secret-dimpling stream.

1928 E. Blunden Retreat 33 Thus the bright-templed rhyme Before the secret-smiling author came.

†o. in secret wise, secretly. (Cf. secre adj. 3b.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb]

stillyc1000

dernlyc1175

dernea1200

privement?c1225

hidlingsa1250

in hidela1300

in scubardisa1300

stilla1300

hidel-likea1325

privyc1330

ywryȝeliche1340

in secre wysec1374

hidinglya1382

hidlya1382

in privy1384

closea1387

secrelyc1386

stalworthlya1400

covertlyc1400

secrec1405

in hidlings1422

secretly1447

secretementc1470

in secret1474

hugger-muggera1529

in hugger-mugger1529

secret1539

underboard1548

closely1552

darkly1559

in secret wise1563

hiddenly1580

tectly1587

underwater1600

concealedly1622

underground1632

occultly1641

in petto1647

under the rosea1704

subterraneously1791

suppressedly1825

underfoot1860

1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Rogation Wk. i. 232 Only I woulde wyshe your affection inflamed in secrete wyse within your selfe.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 198 The Scottes..in secret wise came downe into the marches of Yorkeshire.

p. secret life n. a private life of a nature concealed from the common observer; spec. one consisting of covert sexual dealings.

ΚΠ

1880 (title) My secret life.

1927 E. M. Forster Aspects of Novel v. 113 Happiness and misery exist in the secret life, which each of us lives privately.

1928 J. Galsworthy Swan Song iii. vii. 272 A secret life and Lippinghall! Long, long might that conjunction be deferred!

1973 L. Cooper Tea on Sunday xxvii. 207 Did you know that Holdsworth has a secret life?.. Lisa..saw him just going out of the bar with a glamour girl.

1976 C. Bermant Coming Home i. vii. 107 My secret life was now revealed to my parents.

a. Of a person: †Reserved or reticent in conduct or conversation (obsolete); not given to indiscreet talking or the revelation of secrets; silent as to any matter, uncommunicative, close.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > [adjective]

unspeakinga1382

speechless1390

mutec1400

dumb1406

silenta1425

peaceablec1425

secretc1440

of few wordsa1500

tongue-tied1529

mum1532

closec1540

strait-laced1546

tongue-dumb1556

incommunicable1568

sparing1568

inconversable1577

retentive1599

wordless1604

mumbudget1622

uncommunicable1628

monastica1631

word-bound1644

on (also upon) the reserve1655

strait-mouthed1664

oyster-like1665

incommunicative1670

mumchance1681

speechless1726

taciturnous1727

tongue-tacked1727

monosyllabic1735

silentish1737

untalkative1739

silentious1749

buttoned-up1767

taciturn1771

close as wax1772

untittletattling1779

reticent1825

voiceless1827

say-nothing1838

unremonstrant1841

still1855

unvocal1858

inexpansive186.

short-tongued1864

non-communicating1865

tight-lipped1876

unworded1886

chup1896

tongue-bound1906

shut-mouthed1936

zip-lipped1943

shtum1958

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > disposed to secrecy, secretive

dernOE

covert1340

secrec1385

secretc1440

mum1532

closec1540

whist1577

as silent as the grave1613

privatea1625

dark1650

uncommunicating1650

dry1681

uncommunicative1691

unexpansive1847

secretive1853

tight-lipped1876

cagey1909

zip-lipped1943

closet1948

coy1961

tight1977

c1440 Generydes 720 I haue founde yow..At all tymes full secrete and full trew.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. ii. 27 That she be secrete and telle not suche thynges as ought to be holden secrete.

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 63 Be secreit, trew, incressing of ȝour name.

c1571 E. Campion Two Bks. Hist. Ireland (1963) ii. ix. 116 Ormond was secrett and driftye.

1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing i. i. 196 I can be secret as a dumb man.

1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 96 The Nuncio [commanded] them both to be secret of what had past.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 60 I am to breake with thee of some affaires..wherein thou must be secret .

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 27 But if a Man be thought Secret, it inuiteth Discouerie;..as in Confession, the Reuealing is not for worldly vse, but for the Ease of a Mans Heart, so Secret Men come to the Knowledge of Many Things, in that kinde.

1733 H. Fielding Miser (London ed.) v. xiii. 81 Were I not secret, Lud! have Mercy upon many a virtuous Woman's Reputation in this Town.

1825 W. Scott Talisman xv, in Tales Crusaders IV. 327 ‘My master bid me be secret,’ said the squire.

1874 J. L. Motley Life John of Barneveld I. i. 101 Sully was as secret as the grave.

1893 C. G. Leland Memoirs I. 242 It was in the hands of so few persons, who were all absolutely secret and trustworthy.

absolute.1785 C. Wilkins tr. Bhăgvăt-Gēētā x. 64 Amongst the secret I am silent.

b. figurative of silence, night, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > [adjective] > characterized by lack of speech

dumba1538

silent1549

secret1556

wordless1594

mump1599

speechless1726

elinguid1775

1556 tr. J. de Flores Histoire de Aurelio & Isabelle sig. A8 The secrete silence of the darcke night.

1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. iii. 180 Bring along The cordes..Which..Must be my conduct in the secret night.

1820 P. B. Shelley Sensitive Plant in Prometheus Unbound 167 The noonday sun..Mocking the spoil of the secret night.

†3. That is entrusted with a person's private or secret affairs; that is a confidant; intimate with.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > entrusted with secrets

privya1393

derna1400

secret1470

secre?1553

private1601

conscious1609

confident of1659

fellow-knowing1662

confidant1816

the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [adjective] > intimate or familiar > privately intimate

privy?c1225

secret1470

private1574

confidential1759

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xi. ii. 574 He was receyued worshipfully with suche peple to his semyng as were aboute Quene Queneuer secrete.

1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 45 The fair Myrro & one woman which was secrete with her departed fro thens.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xxix. 90 He was secret with y^e duke.

1533 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1905) VI. 126 To ane secret man quhilk brocht writtingis to the Kingis grace.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 223 He was more secret with Quene Isabell the kings mother, then was to Gods pleasure or the kings honour.

1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Life Agricola in tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. 265 During the time of his sickenesse there came.. both of his secretest seruants & nearest phisicians to see him.

1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. 205 A great Politician, and very familiar, private, and secret with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

4. In various special collocations.

a. Secret Council n. Scottish the Scottish Privy Council: see council n. 7.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > council of state > [noun] > English or British

privy council1450

Secret Council1546

council-table1678

witan1807

1546 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 26 My Lord Governour and Lordis of Secrete Counsel.

1581 R. Sempill Complaint vpon Fortoun (single sheet) Sacreit counsell can not be content, To suffer lordshippis in equalitie.

1678 J. Lauder Hist. Notices (Bannatyne Club) I. 186 The Secret Councell would have given him ane reprivall.

b. secret seal n. = secre seal at secre adj. 2. Also = privy seal n.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal > official or sovereign

green waxa1350

secret seal1378

privy seal1410

signet1410

Great Seal1419

private seal1440

common seal1449

cocket1451

privy signet1477

half-seal1509

targec1510

broad seal1550

society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal > private

secre seal1362

secret seal1378

secretum1863

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iii. 141 Heo may as muche do In a Mooneþ ones, As ȝoure secre seal [1377 B. iii. 145, 1393 C. iv. 183 secret seel] In Seuen score dayes.

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. viii. 25 Bote vndur his secre seal [1377 B. vii. 23 secret seel; 1393 C. x. 27 secre seel] Treuþe sende a lettre.]

1378 Rolls of Parl. III. 44/1 Pur Brief, ou lettre de Grant ou Prive Seal, ou del Secret Seal, ou autre mandement.

1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. x. 138 The whiche arn lunatik lollares..For vnder godes secre seel here synnes ben ykeuered.

1445 in Charters Glasgow (1906) II. 440 Because I had na sele of myne awn, I have procurit with instance the secrete sele of the burgh of Lithqw to be toput.

(a) secret service n. services rendered to a government, the nature of which cannot be disclosed to the public, but which are paid for from a fund set apart for the purpose; hence an organization which performs this function; spec. (U.S.) a government department concerned with national security. Also attributive, as secret service fund, secret money; secret-service agent, secret-service man, one employed on secret service by government. Also transferred.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service or police

secret service1737

intelligence department1794

secret police1823

security service1918

S.S.1933

S.I.S.1939

intel1961

trade1966

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > government department or agency > [noun] > with specific responsibility

intelligence office1659

custom house1661

secret service1737

home department1782

home office1790

War Department1797

port authority1851

W.D.1855

welfare department1904

welfare1928

social services1968

1737 Gentleman's Mag. Sept. 531/2 The prodigious Increase of secret Service Money in the late Reign.

1808 G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 256 He would give a sum of 6,000l, or 7,000l., out of foreign secret-service.

1809 G. Canning Diaries (1860) I. 264 The S.S. fund is..for secret services—services that cannot be explained or avowed.

1817 T. L. Peacock Melincourt III. 140 We shall all be blown up in a body—sinecures, rotten boroughs, secret-service men [etc.].

1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. xv. 540 A large expenditure appeared every year, under the head of secret service money.

1859 Atlantic Monthly Feb. 163/2 The Secret Service was doubled..while half Paris must have been under arrest.

1867 T. C. Baker Hist. U.S. Secret Service 34 There is nothing in the Secret Service that demands a violation of honor, or a sacrifice of principle, beyond the ordinary rules of warfare.

1900 Westm. Gaz. 25 May 7/3 Secret-service agent Brown took the accused man in charge [at San Francisco].

1906 Daily Chron. 2 Nov. 10/2 One of the chief racing bodies..has a force of secret-service men to gather information that could never reach the Turf authorities if they sought it as Turf authorities.

1939 T. S. Eliot Old Possum's Bk. Pract. Cats 34 And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say: ‘It must have been Macavity!’

1972 Police Rev. 10 Nov. 1445/1 The principal mission of the United States Secret Service today is safeguarding the lives of the President of the United States, the Vice-President, and many other important personalities in public life.

1981 A. Price Soldier no More vii. 93 I've got it... You're in the Secret Service.

(b) secret agent n. a person engaged on secret service, esp. espionage.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service agent

secret agenta1715

operative1901

operator1966

station agent1974

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 660 Such as endeavoured to make their escape, and were seized, (for guards and secret agents were spread along the whole roads and frontier of France).

1837 J. P. Henderson Let. 5 Nov. in Diplomatic Corr. Texas (Amer. Hist. Assoc.) (1911) III. 827 The Government of the United States..[sent] a secret agent to Texas to enquire into her situation, power etc.

1893 S. J. Weyman Gentleman of France II. xviii. 136 You are here as the secret agent of the King of Navarre.

1907 J. Conrad (title) The secret agent.

1939 G. Greene Confidential Agent i. ii. 67 In melodrama a secret agent was never tired.

1973 W. Fairchild Swiss Arrangem. ix. 114 Lisa laughed suddenly. ‘I never thought I'd be going to bed with a secret agent,’ she said.

(c) secret police n. a police organization operating in secret, spec. one owing allegiance to the state or government and used for political purposes. Also secret policeman.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service or police

secret service1737

intelligence department1794

secret police1823

security service1918

S.S.1933

S.I.S.1939

intel1961

trade1966

1823 F. Burney Waterloo Jrnl. in Jrnls. & Lett. (1980) VIII. 394 Buonaparte..trusted in the address of that mental diving machine, his secret police, for warding off any hazard.

1863 ‘Ouida’ Held in Bondage I. x. 233 The world has a trick of serving, like the Swiss Guard and the secret police, whichever side is uppermost and pays them best.

1910 A. Bennett Clayhanger ii. xiv. 257 Some concealed emissary of the Russian secret police.

1938 E. Ambler Cause for Alarm vii. 119 The Ovra..has become a regularly constituted secret police force.

1973 D. Miller Chinese Jade Affair xviii. 176 The woes of being a secret policeman during the visits of V.I.P. personalities.

1981 G. Priestland Priestland's Progress ii. 38 Paul..had begun life as a religious secret policeman commissioned to stamp out the Church.

d. secret society n. an organization formed to promote some cause by secret methods, its members being sworn to observe secrecy.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social relations > an association, society, or organization > secret society > [noun]

club1682

secret society1829

mafia1891

1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. iii. 80 It was countersigned in red ink, with the badges of the Secret Society, a coil of ropes and a drawn dagger... The extent and omnipresence of these Secret Associations.

1874 C. W. Heckethorn Secret Societies 4 Secret societies may be classed under the following heads: 1. Religious... 2. Military... 3. Judiciary... 4. Scientific... 5. Civil... 6. Political.

1888 A. Johnston in Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 784 A widespread secret society, the ‘Ku-Klux-Klan’.

e. secret list n. chiefly Military a register of research work or developments about which information may not be disclosed. Also transferred.

ΚΠ

1933 Meccano Mag. Feb. 109/1 As the aeroplane is on the Air Ministry Secret List, performance figures are not yet available for publication.

1949 A. Koestler Promise & Fulfilm. ii. v. 269 The war research which they are doing..is still on the secret list.

1955 E. Waugh Officers & Gentlemen i. x. 129 There's an agitation..to take you off the secret list. Heroes are urgently required to boost civilian morale.

1977 ‘J. D. White’ Salzburg Affair vii. 63 A missile projector, brand new..and still on the secret list.

f. secret weapon n. a weapon (often of potentially decisive force) classified as secret. Also figurative and transferred.

ΚΠ

1936 E. Ambler Dark Frontier i. vi. 91 He once told me that in these days there was no such thing as a secret weapon.

1939 W. S. Churchill Into Battle (1941) 150 The magnetic mine..may perhaps be Herr Hitler's much vaunted secret weapon.

1953 E. Simon Past Masters ii. 78 See the candid camera at work, that misnamed secret weapon.

1962 Listener 2 Aug. 160/2 The formidable Signor Mattei, who is Italy's anything but secret weapon.

1980 A. Scholefield Berlin Blind ii. 75 Ah, the secret weapons... They are going to bring England to her knees.

5. attributive, as secret-natured, secret-tongued.

ΚΠ

1596 R. Linche Dom Diego in Diella sig. F3 When secret-tongued night puts on her mistie sable-coloured vayle.

1728 H. Fielding Masquerade 16 'Tis this, which sets the Chymist on, To search that secret-natur'd Stone.

B. n.

I. Something kept secret.

1. Something unknown or unrevealed or that is known only by initiation or revelation; a mystery; chiefly plural, the hidden affairs or workings (of God, Nature, Science, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > the occult > [noun] > hidden or mysterious affair

secrec1386

secret1390

arcanum1646

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > a profound secret, mystery > [noun]

rounOE

mysteryc1384

sacramentc1384

secrec1386

secret1390

riddlec1400

concealment1598

arcanum1605

Sphinxa1610

abstrusity1632

cryptic1663

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 54 Was nevere yet so wys a clerk, Which mihte knowe..the secret which god hath set Ayein a man mai noght be let.

c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 84 Glorious Philosophers..to whom ys geuyn þe knowynge of secretez of sciencez, þat were hyd to alle men.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 8 That is ane office of ane angel, to reuele the secretis of god.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Bviii In the which there be innumerable secretes of nature.

1630 W. Davenant Just Italian v. sig. I3 Iealous Nature, hath lock'd, her secrets in a Cabinet.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 569 For how shall I..unfould The secrets of another world, perhaps Not lawful to reveal?

1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) II. 35 Nature has kept us at a great distance from all her secrets.

1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian x, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 214 Many devout ministers and professors in times past had enjoyed downright revelation, like the blessed Peden and Lundie..wha entered into the secrets.

1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xxi. 36 When science reaches forth her arms To feel from world to world, and charms Her secret from the latest moon.

1872 J. Ruskin Eagle's Nest §79 Think of the vain research..of those who have tried to penetrate the secrets of life, or of its support.

2. In Liturgical use: A prayer or prayers said by the celebrant in a low voice after the Offertory and before the Preface. See secreta n.¹

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > worship > parts of service > prayer said in low voice > [noun]

secre1297

secret1387

secreta1737

society > faith > worship > prayer > kinds of prayer > [noun] > secret

secre1297

secret1387

secreta1737

1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VIII. 33 Sche wolde selden come at cherche, and þan unneþ sche wolde abyde þe secretes of þe messe.

14.. Pol. Rel. & L. Poems (1903) 122 And aftur þe fyrste orysoun Þer ys an-oþur of gret Renoun Þat to þe sowle ys wonþur swete, Menne calle hit þe secrete.

a1540 R. Barnes Wks. (1573) 357/2 Pope Gelasius..appointed that the Priestes should say the Secretes, the Cannon, and the Prefaces with their armes stretched abroad.

1844 Catholic Weekly Instr. 86 The prayers called secrets, (so called because they are silently offered,) follow, and are a second collect.

3. Some fact, affair, design, action, etc., the knowledge of which is kept to oneself or shared only with those whom it concerns or to whom it has been confided; something that cannot be divulged without violation of a command or breach of confidence. Frequently with an adjective prefixed, esp. as an intensive, as a dead, entire, profound secret.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret

derna1000

counsel1377

secrec1386

dernheada1400

secretnessc1425

secrecyc1450

secret1450

concealment1598

reservation1612

cabal1631

recess1646

occult1648

reserve1680

state secret1822

reserving1844

inédit1910

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [noun] > private matter or business

counsel1377

secrec1386

secret1450

chamber counsela1616

privatea1616

particulara1617

privacya1625

confidence1748

1450–80 tr. Secreta Secret. lix. 35 Þat no man be so prive with him, forto se þe lettris of thi secretz.

1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iv. iii The shepherd..sayd paye me of that I haue kepte the secrete.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cliiij^v Certen Senatours had disclosed their secretes.

1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 16 There is also one Secretarie..who..knowes all the secret onlie that passeth betwixt the King & the Captain general.

1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 152 Quhome he..in al his secreitis admitted.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 2 Sir Thurio, giue vs leaue (I pray) a while, We haue some secrets to confer about.

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. i. 86 O let me liue, And all the secrets of our campe Ile shew, Their force, their purposes.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1683 (1955) IV. 323 Who was now admitted to the Councils, & Cabinet seacrets againe.

1701 G. Stanhope tr. St. Augustine Pious Breathings 123 The Gift is evident, and is the Giver a secret?

1743 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 20 Nov. (1966) II. 314 Reasons..for keeping it an entire secret.

1805 W. Scott Let. 12 Apr. (1932) I. 248 This is a dead secret.

1825 W. Scott Betrothed v, in Tales Crusaders I. 88 The monk, in alluding to the secrets of the confessional, had gone a step beyond what the rules of his order..permitted.

1837 J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott II. ii. 42 It is an old saying, that wherever there is a secret there must be something wrong.

1854 ‘C. Bede’ Further Adventures Mr. Verdant Green (ed. 2) xi. 104 His writing for the prize poem had been a secret.

1876 C. M. Yonge Cameos cxxvi, in Monthly Packet May 413 He kept his marriage a secret.

1888 Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 450/2 This device has never been patented, but is a secret.

1890 J. Middlemass Two False Moves I. xv. 224 Much that she had heard that day must be kept a dead secret.

1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxvii. 363 If you were to keep this letter a secret from him.

a. A method or process (of an art, etc.) hidden from all except the initiated.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > [noun] > specific manner of action or operation > secret or known only by a select few

secret1486

mystery1563

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > secret process

secret1486

mystery1563

trade secret1825

1486 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. xv. 273 And the secretes and counsell of the same arte, ye shall trewlie kepe and Layne.

1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 244^v Of..certeyne secreates touchyng the arte of saylynge.

1572 L. Mascall Bk. Plant & Graffe Trees To Rdr. sig. A.iiij^v Declaring of diuers wayes of planting and graffyng,..with shewing of diuers commodities and secretes herein.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1650 (1955) III. 24 An Impostor that had like to have impos'd upon us, a pretended seacret of Multiplying gold.

1742 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) I. 97 The balance of power is a secret in politics.

1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) II. 528 What secret did the Asiatics possess to raise cities so vast and so populous?

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 269 Our nation..can cure wounds,..and in our own family, in particular, are secrets which have been handed down since the days of Solomon.

†b. Hence, an infallible prescription, a specific.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [noun] > a medicine or medicament > specific medicine

secret1558

nostrum1602

magistrality1605

magistral1621

magisteriala1627

specifical1651

specificum1651

specific1661

magistery1669

1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount (1568) 24 a This is a very rare secrete against suche a disease.

1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. ix. 584/1 It is a Secret against the Gonorrhœa.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. vii. 247 The idea that satiating the servants of the public with wealth is a secret for rendering them honest.

c. (Const. of.) That which accounts for something surprising or extraordinary; the essential thing to be observed in order to secure some end.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [noun]

thingOE

cause?c1225

why1303

casec1325

chesounc1330

skillc1340

mannerc1390

reasona1398

springa1500

impulsion1605

vicissitude1605

whereforea1616

hoti1646

dioti1651

secret1738

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > that which is important > essential or central

pitheOE

effectc1405

substancec1450

kernel1556

nick1577

keystone1641

vitals1657

narrow1702

secret1738

ganglion1828

nub1833

primality1846

keyword1848

knub1864

buzzword1946

in word1964

1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 121 Few People know the Secret of this.

1846 C. Kingsley Lett. (1878) I. 146 The only secret of success is to feel and confess yourself nothing, that God may make you everything.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 58 So strangely were good and evil intermixed in the character of these celebrated brethren; and the intermixture was the secret of their gigantic power.

†5. A place of concealment; a secret place; a hiding place, place of retreat. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > a secret place, hiding place > [noun]

hidelsc975

hidela1300

bushc1330

hulkc1330

derna1340

tapissinga1340

coverta1375

hiding1382

loting-placea1398

cover14..

hiding placec1440

mewa1450

closetc1450

hole1483

cure1502

secret1530

shrouding place1571

ivy-bush1576

coney burrowa1586

hidlings1597

foxhole1606

shrouding corner1610

recess1611

subterfuge1616

latibule1623

latebra1626

blind1646

privacy1648

hide1649

retreat1697

rathole1770

hidey-hole1817

tod hole1846

hulster1880

hideout1885

cwtch1890

castle1898

lurk1906

stash1927

hideaway1930

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 268/2 Secrete a prevy place, requoy.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. xii. sig. Kk2^v Into their cloysters now he broken had..And searched all their cels and secrets neare.

?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 379 Vpon ane dyke doun was he sett Into a secreit out of sicht.

a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 103 God himselfe is an invisible Spirit..he hides himselfe in Clowdes, and dwelleth in Secrets.

†6. plural = secret parts at sense A. 1j (see A. 1j). Also singular.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > sex organs > [noun]

shapea1000

shameOE

i-cundeOE

memberc1300

privy memberc1325

kindc1330

privitiesc1375

harness1382

shameful parts1382

genitoriesa1387

partc1390

tailc1390

genitalsa1393

thingc1405

genitalc1450

privy parts1533

secret1535

loin?1541

genitures1548

filthy parts1553

shamefulness1561

ware1561

meatc1564

natural places1569

secret members1577

lady ware1592

natural parts1601

lady's ware1608

gear1611

private parts1623

groin1631

pudendums1634

natural1650

privacies1656

sex1664

secrecyc1675

nudities1677

affair1749

sexual parts1753

person1824

sex organ1847

privates1940

naughty bits1972

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Deut. xxv. 11 Yf..the wyfe put forth hir hande, and take him by the secretes.

1554 D. Lindsay Dialog Experience & Courteour i. 986 in Wks. (1931) I Than..thay..maid thame Breikis of leuis grene, That thair secreitis suld nocht be sene.

1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 34 They..ronne..starck naked (sauing they haue a clothe before their secrets).

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 73 Their secret hangeth forth more then at other times.

1656 P. Heylyn Surv. Estate France 237 Those..had the secrets of nature..filled with gun-powder, and so blown into ashes.

1739 Gen. Chirurg. Dict. at Gynæ Comystax, in J. Sparrow tr. H. F. Le Dran Observ. Surg. The upper Part of a Womans Secrets.

7. Armour. ‘A coat of mail concealed under one's usual dress’ (Jamieson).

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > body armour > [noun] > coat of mail or corselet > worn under normal dress

privy coat1532

secret1578

1578–9 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. III. 105 With daggis, pistolettis, Jakis, and secreitis of plait.

1600 Gowrie Conspiracy D 2 b The Earle bade him putte on his secret and plaite sleeues, for he had an hey-land man to take.

1609 J. Skene Treat. in Regiam Majestatem 151 [They] quha sall resort, or repaire within his Majesteis palace,..armed with Iakis, Secreitis, or corsleits, vnder their coats, doublets, or vtherwaies, sallbe apprehended.

1643 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1870) VI. 43/2 That þej provyde jackes or secreites lances and steill bonnettes and swordes.

1820 W. Scott Monastery II. x. 287 A short doublet of buff, under which was in some places visible that light shirt of mail which was called a secret, because worn instead of more ostensible armour to protect against private assassination.

1825 W. Scott Talisman xv, in Tales Crusaders IV. 337 A secret, or coat of linked mail, worn beneath the corslet.

1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 94 He, therefore, wore under his jerkin a secret, or coat of chain-mail.

1853 G. P. R. James Agnes Sorel I. xiii. 289 I think it were as well if you wore a secret beneath your ordinary dress.

†II. A person who works secretly.

8. A private counsellor, secret adviser. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > [noun] > adviser or counsellor > confidential

privya1325

privy counsellora1393

discreet1474

secreta1513

earworma1670

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxviii. f. xxv When he [sc. Constantyne] awoke he called this vicyon to mynde and tolde vnto his Secretes, by whose Counsayll he commaundyd the sygne of the Crosse to be peynted and sette in his Baners.

Phrases

P1. [The adjective used absol.] in secret [= Latin in secreto, French en secret] : in private, not openly or in public; secretly. †at one's secret: to oneself, privately. †of secret: of a secret character.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb]

stillyc1000

dernlyc1175

dernea1200

privement?c1225

hidlingsa1250

in hidela1300

in scubardisa1300

stilla1300

hidel-likea1325

privyc1330

ywryȝeliche1340

in secre wysec1374

hidinglya1382

hidlya1382

in privy1384

closea1387

secrelyc1386

stalworthlya1400

covertlyc1400

secrec1405

in hidlings1422

secretly1447

secretementc1470

in secret1474

hugger-muggera1529

in hugger-mugger1529

secret1539

underboard1548

closely1552

darkly1559

in secret wise1563

hiddenly1580

tectly1587

underwater1600

concealedly1622

underground1632

occultly1641

in petto1647

under the rosea1704

subterraneously1791

suppressedly1825

underfoot1860

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adverb] > to oneself

inwardlyc1175

at one's secret1474

inmostly1851

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective]

dernc897

dighela1000

hid?c1225

stillc1275

stillyc1275

covertc1303

secrec1374

secret1399

secretivec1470

covered1484

dark1532

underhid1532

hiddena1547

concealed1558

abstruse1576

unshewing1598

mystical1600

of secreta1616

mystica1625

subterraneous1652

researched1653

hugger-mugger1692

hidlingsa1810

sub rosa1824

cachet1837

cloak and dagger1841

theftuous1881

q.t.1910

closet1966

down-low1991

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. ii. 28 And thus euery wyf tolde hit to other in secrete.

1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxxxxvi. 129 And..the kynge..sayd att his secrete, that he myght not be wrothe with his wyf.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. vi. f. vij Thy father which seith in secret. [So later versions.]

1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Hegendorphinus in Panoplie Epist. 382 Drunkards..kepe nothing in secrete, but..blab abroad in the hearing of all men, whatsoever.

1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 143 He..passed alongest, but not in such secret but that hee was discouered.

1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 236 One word in secret .

a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. vi. 206 I return'd..With Tokens thus, and thus:..nay some markes Of secret on her person.

1616 G. Chapman tr. Musaeus Divine Poem 260 Loose acts done In surest secret: in the open Sunne And euery Market place, will burne thine eares.

1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 722 My soul shall sigh in secret.

1876 Ld. Tennyson Harold v. ii. 158 Some held she was his wife in secret.

P2. (Chiefly in senses A. 3, A. 4) to be in (rarely †on) the secret, to be one of the participants in a secret; †to be of secrets with, to share the confidence or secrets of (a person); to let (a person) into the secret, to confide (to him) the secret (of an affair, trade); hence slang (see quots. 1699, 1801); to make a secret of (something), to make (it) a matter of concealment, to keep (it) to oneself.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > make friends with [verb (transitive)] > share confidence or secrets of (a person)

to be of secrets with1535

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > operate secretly [verb (intransitive)] > share secret

to be of (a person's) bosom1608

to be in (rarely on) the secret1680

to be on the in1932

to be on the inside1932

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep quiet about [phrase]

to keep or hold (a matter) counsel (later in counsela1400

to keep secret1399

to keep (something) dark1532

to draw a veil over1582

not to tell one's shirt1586

to keep one's (own) counsel1604

to put (also keep) in one's pocketa1616

to name no names1692

to make a secret of1738

to keep (‥) snug1778

to clap, put, or keep the thumb on1825

to wash one's dirty linen at home, in public1867

to hold back1956

to sweep (also brush, kick, etc.) (something) under the rug1956

to get it off one's chest1961

to sweep (or push) (something) under the carpet1963

1535 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 228 We have in warde,..Dam Jenet Ewstace, which was thErle of Kildares aunt, and most of secrets with him.

1680 Bp. G. Burnet Some Passages Life Rochester (1692) 28 Even those who were on the secret, and saw him in these shapes, could perceive nothing by which he might be discovered.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1674 (1955) IV. 38 In a short time let him so into the seacret of affaires..that there was a kind of necessity to advance him.

1697 J. Vanbrugh Æsop ii. i It's a good trade..: let a lad be but diligent, and do what he's bid, he shall be let into the secret, and share part of the profits.

1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Secret, let into the Secret, when one is drawn in at Horse~racing, Cock-fighting, Bowling, and other Sports or Games, and Bit.

1703 Duke of Queensberry in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. IV. 238 He says he was let into all the secrets of the correspondence of Scotsmen with St. Germains.

1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 29 You may make a Secret of it, but we can spell, and put together.

1742 Defoe's Tour Great Brit. (ed. 3) I. 79 Before I was let into the Secret, as 'tis called, which is indeed nothing but the knavish Part of the Sport [of Horseracing].

1801 Ld. Nelson Let. in Sotheby's Catal. 15 June 1897, 17 As I am not in the secret, and feel I have a right to speak out.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iv. 453 James, who had from the first been in the secret of his brother's foreign politics.

1885 F. M. Peard Near Neighbours II. i. 18 Nor had he made the least secret of his intention to use all means to hold her.

P3.

a. In the Biblical phrase, the secrets of the (one's) heart.Not in Wyclif, who has ‘hid thinges’ (Vulgate abscondita).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > deep, personal

mystery1529

the secrets of the (one's) heart1535

bosom secret1659

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xliv. 21 Shulde not God fynde it out? for he knoweth the very secretes of the hert.

1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John i. f. 47–9 Nathanaell..who was perswaded, that the secretes of the hearte was open to god onely.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) ii. i. 305 Thy bosome shall partake The secrets of my Heart.

a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 103 The Secrets of his heart none knowes; but he, that made it.

b. an open secret: something which is ostensibly a secret, but which requires little effort or penetration to discover. Also secret of Polichinelle = secret de Polichinelle n.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > unsuccessful

an open secret1828

secret of Polichinelle1828

secret de Polichinelle1857

1828 T. Carlyle in Foreign Rev. 2 iii. 101 The ‘open secret’ is no longer a secret to him, and he knows that the Universe is full of goodness; that whatever has being has beauty.

1853 C. Brontë Villette III. xliii. 336 I wanted to prove to Miss Lucy that I could keep a secret... How many times has she saucily insinuated that all my affairs are the secret of Polichinelle!

1879 F. Pollock in W. K. Clifford Lect. Introd. i. 1 It is an open secret to the few who know it, but a mystery..to the many, that Science and Poetry are own sisters.

1882 L. Stephen Swift iv. 74 The mask [of anonymity] was..a sufficient protection against legal prosecution, but in reality covering an open secret.

Compounds

C1. General attributive and objective.

secret-keeper n.

ΚΠ

1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 273 Thou hast the Air of a Secret-keeper of that sort.

1904 Edinb. Rev. Jan. 56 Earth, the secret keeper of birth and of death.

secret-monger n.

ΚΠ

1754–64 W. Smellie Treat. Midwifery I. 257 A selfish secret-monger.

1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters i. 38 Itinerant empyrics and secret-mongers.

C2.

secret-graph n. a code for communicating secrets.Apparently an isolated use.

ΚΠ

1799 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1800) 3 329 Instruct ladies to form a perfect secret-graph by the arrangement of Patches.

Draft additions March 2020

secret history n. a work consisting of secret, private, or previously unpublished episodes of history or biography. Often in the titles of such works. Cf. anecdote n. 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > a written composition > [noun] > other spec.

defence1546

paradox1594

secret history1650

pentaglot1727

morceau1748

murdering piece1797

pièce de circonstance1830

national epic1841

scholarly edition1850

cantefable1903

chantefable1937

1650 T. Hawkins et al. tr. N. Caussin Holy Court (new ed.) v. 166/1 Behold here the springs of Belizarius his misery, which Procopius hath observed in his secret History.

1740 (title) The ass race: or the secret history of Archy Armstrong, fool to King Charles I.

1883 Leicester Chron. & Leics. Mercury 19 May (Suppl.) 1/3 She has read all the secret histories..and knows all the ins and outs of court life..for the last three hundred years.

1989 G. Marcus (title) Lipstick traces: a secret history of the twentieth century.

2006 R. Carnell Partisan Politics, Narr. Realism, & Rise of Brit. Novel 182 Eighteenth-century ‘secret histories’ provided a counter-narrative to official histories.

Draft additions July 2009

Secret Santa n. (also with lower-case initial(s)) originally U.S. a person who gives a Christmas present anonymously, now usually by means of a type of gift exchange among a group of colleagues, friends, etc., whereby each participant is assigned (at random) another person for whom to provide a gift; (also) a gift exchange of this type.

ΚΠ

1933 Bee (Danville, Va.) 22 Dec. 2/4 (headline) Plays secret santa, then kills self.

1969 Chicago Tribune 25 Dec. b12/1 Presents for the needy from a secret Santa.

1989 M. Moffatt Coming of Age in New Jersey ii. 32 ‘Secret Santa’, a favorite student festivity in the Rutgers dorms in the early 1980s.

1999 M. Bank Girls' Guide to Hunting & Fishing 240 In college, Bonnie was my Secret Santa.

2001 M. Lightstone Rogues & Vagabonds 128 The past two Christmases they had done Secret Santa, a sensible face-saving device when there are lots of gifts to buy and cash is in short supply.

Draft additions June 2016

secret shopper n. originally U.S. a person employed to pose as a customer in order to evaluate a business based on the quality or range of goods, customer service, etc.; = mystery shopper n. at mystery n.¹ Compounds.

ΚΠ

1892 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 14 Aug. 10/1 The most singular and least known of the women employees is the ‘secret shopper’... Her business is to go from one shop to another and price and buy special lines of goods.

1945 Gastonia (N. Carolina) Daily Gaz. 21 June 1/6 The secret shopper visited several stores which..have prided themselves on their War Bond sales, entered into conversation with the eighteen salespeople, and was asked by only two of them to buy bonds.

2010 H. Davis & D. Iwanow Google Advertising Tools (ed. 2) 153 Test your affiliate links, using a ‘secret shopper’ if necessary.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	secret
释义	secretadj.n. Brit. /ˈsiːkrᵻt/, U.S. /ˈsikrᵻt/ Forms: Also Middle English secrette, Middle English–1500s secrete, (Middle English sekret), 1500s secreet, secrett, ( seycrette, seacreate), Scottish secreit, sacreit, 1500s–1600s secreate, 1600s seacret, ( secrit). Etymology: < French secret adjective and noun (Old French also secré : see secre adj. and n.), < Latin sēcrētus adjective (neuter sēcrētum used substantively, a secret), originally past participle of sēcernĕre to separate, divide off: see secern v. Compare Provençal secret, Spanish secreto, Portuguese secreto, segredo, Italian secreto, segredo (all used as adjective and noun). A. adj. 1. Kept from knowledge or observation; hidden, concealed. a. Predicatively (esp. in to keep secret): Kept from public knowledge, or from the knowledge of persons specified; not allowed to be known, or only by selected persons. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] dernc897 dighela1000 hid?c1225 stillc1275 stillyc1275 covertc1303 secrec1374 secret1399 secretivec1470 covered1484 dark1532 underhid1532 hiddena1547 concealed1558 abstruse1576 unshewing1598 mystical1600 of secreta1616 mystica1625 subterraneous1652 researched1653 hugger-mugger1692 hidlingsa1810 sub rosa1824 cachet1837 cloak and dagger1841 theftuous1881 q.t.1910 closet1966 down-low1991 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep quiet about [phrase] to keep or hold (a matter) counsel (later in counsela1400 to keep secret1399 to keep (something) dark1532 to draw a veil over1582 not to tell one's shirt1586 to keep one's (own) counsel1604 to put (also keep) in one's pocketa1616 to name no names1692 to make a secret of1738 to keep (‥) snug1778 to clap, put, or keep the thumb on1825 to wash one's dirty linen at home, in public1867 to hold back1956 to sweep (also brush, kick, etc.) (something) under the rug1956 to get it off one's chest1961 to sweep (or push) (something) under the carpet1963 1399 W. Langland Richard Redeles Prol. 61 Lete ȝoure conceill corette it [sc. this treatise]..ffor ȝit it is secrette. 1474 [see sense A. 2a]. 1481 in Eng. Gilds (1870) 317 Ye shal not dyscouer þ^e counsell of þ^e bretherynhod or of þ^e crafte, þ^t ye have knowlych of, þ^t shold be sekret w^tyn ouer-selfe. 1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 3 Parys kept hys loue secrete. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lxxij I kept nothing secret from your Ambassadours. 1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 47 The Renegados..kept his death secret. 1799 R. Sickelmore Agnes & Leonora II. 164 It was as much to their interest as my own to keep the affair secret. 1831 W. Scott Count Robert iii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. III. 61 The task in which he was engaged was to be kept most strictly secret. 1879 ‘E. Lyall’ Won by Waiting xxx Bertha's flight must be kept secret. b. Of a place: Removed from the resort of men; retired, remote, lonely, secluded, solitary; hence, affording privacy or seclusion. Also rarely of time. Chiefly archaic. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > a secret place, hiding place > [adjective] dernOE blindc1386 secret?a1513 to lie perdu1791 society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > secluded place or place of seclusion > [adjective] secrec1374 blindc1386 privatea1513 secret?a1513 shadowy1555 close1571 retired1593 retrait1603 sequestrate1632 recessful1646 recluse1650 reserved1653 secessive1653 coy1670 sequestrated1726 slya1764 secluded1798 shy1841 retiracied1856 undisprivacied1870 madding1874 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > conducted in private > of conversation, etc. particular1442 secret?a1513 secre?1553 private1560 confidential1759 a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 106 In secreit place this hyndir nycht I hard [etc.]. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. D2^v To..plant goodnesse euen in the secretest cabinet of our soules. 1604 M. Drayton Moyses i. 12 Softly she [i.e. Pharaoh's daughter] walkes downe to the secret flood,..In the coole streames to check the pampred blood. a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. iii. 84 Put them in secret holds. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 6 Sing Heav'nly Muse, that on the secret top Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire That Shepherd. View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 116 Let not Sleep, my closing Eyes invade, In open Plains, or in the secret Shade. View more context for this quotation 1773 W. Cowper Shrubbery 19 They seek, like me, the secret shade. 1820 P. B. Shelley To Skylark in Prometheus Unbound 203 Soothing her love-laden Soul in secret hour. 1830 Ld. Tennyson Poet 10 With echoing feet he threaded The secretest walks of fame. 1858 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 13 June in French & Ital. Notebks. (1980) v. 314 Powers took us into a room apart—apparently the secretest room he had—and showed us some tools..of his own..invention. 1900 G. C. Brodrick Mem. & Impr. 203 To exchange opinions..no longer through whispers in the secret chambers, but through open talk in drawing-rooms and even ball-rooms. †c. Of a person, etc.: Secluded from observation. Chiefly predicative. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] sundereOE privyc1300 close1393 private1472 soleinc1475 secret1528 retired1595 implicit1610 cabinet1611 underhanda1616 closet1639 umbratile1640 closeteda1649 curtain1661 recluse1673 snug1710 pocket1804 entre nous1806 underground1820 sub rosa1824 esoterical1850 esoteric1876 1528 S. Gardiner in N. Pocock Rec. Reformation (1870) I. xlvii. 90 Being compelled for want of apparel to keep ourselves secret one whole day. 1592 R. Greene Pandosto (new ed.) sig. B Franion beeing secret in his chamber, began to meditate with himselfe in these termes. 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 206 When they are secret and alone by themselues, they will practise leaping, dancing, and other strange feats. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. iv. 47 In this Citty will I stay, And liue alone as secret as I may. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 522 So all ere day spring, under conscious Night Secret they finish'd. View more context for this quotation d. Of actions, negotiations, agreements, etc.: Done or entered into with the intention of being concealed; clandestine. †Also rarely of movements: Stealthy. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > stealthy action, stealth > [adjective] > accomplished by stealth stolenc1400 secret1548 clandestine1566 stealed1577 backdoor1581 underhand1592 surreptitial1602 surreptitious?1615 furtive1628 surreptious1630 by1633 surreptive1633 subreptitious1641 surreptitious1645 postern1648 backstairs1663 smuggled1707 underneath1747 underhanded1806 hidlingsa1810 hole-and-corner1835 side door1862 under-cover1933 under the table1938 crafty1946 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > stealthy action, stealth > stealthy movement > [adjective] creepinga1400 slyc1440 prowling1546 stealing1574 sneaking1590 cat-footed1598 soft-footed1603 surrepent1608 cat-likea1616 stealthya1616 grassant1659 sliving1661 creep-mouse1766 secret1768 slinking1841 pussy-footed1893 undercreeping1893 pussyfooting1926 slinky1951 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cciij^v He caused hym by secrete iourneys in the nyght to be conueyed to Middelham Castell in Yorkeshyre. 1563 W. Baldwin et al. Myrrour for Magistrates (new ed.) Hastings lxxxix So can god reape vp secrete mischiefs wrought, To the confusyon of the workers thought. 1611 Bible (King James) Psalms lxiv. 2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked. View more context for this quotation a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 103 Secret therefore, must Abstinence be. 1642 D. Rogers Naaman 428 Shall I make conscience of smaller, secreter offences, and shall I not much more abhor the grosser. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1670 (1955) III. 562 The Treasurer, who put into my hands those seacret pieces and Transactions concerning the Dutch war. 1705 Ld. Shaftesbury Let. to Le Clerc 8–13 Feb. in Notes & Queries (1851) 1st Ser. III. 98/1 [Lord Shaftesbury] entrusted him [Locke] with his secretest negotiations. 1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 138. ⁋1 Secret Kindnesses done to Mankind are as beautiful as secret Injuries are detestable. 1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 178 I heard secret treadings and mutterings. 1799 A. Paget in Paget Papers (1896) I. 152 I am led to think that there are Secret Articles in the Treaty of Campo Formio that are Monstrous. 1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci iii. i. 48 I wasted The sum in secret riot. 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xv. 133 Rebecca..owned there was a secret attachment. 1903 J. Morley Life Gladstone II. vi. vii. 366 All the highest abstract arguments were against secret voting. e. Of doctrines, ceremonies, language, signs, methods of procedure, remedies, and the like: Kept from the knowledge of the uninitiated. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > a profound secret, mystery > [adjective] > kept secret, esoteric occult1480 secret1526 acroamatical1579 acroamatic1635 acroatic1656 esoteric1660 esoterical1850 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii^v What so euer secret doctrine of perfeccion you take or lerne of this pore treatyse. 1809 J. Roland Amateur of Fencing ii.xi. 213 I think it proper to finish the subject of Erroneous Opinions, by confuting an error as common..which is that of an infallible thrust..This wonderful thing is called a secret thrust. 1823 G. Roland Treat. Art Fencing ix. 143 Others..have pretended to sell them secret passes, applicable on all occasions. 1825 W. Scott Betrothed ii, in Tales Crusaders I. 22 They..were initiated into their order by secret and mystic solemnities. f. Of feelings, passions, thoughts: Not openly avowed or expressed; concealed, disguised; also, in stronger sense, known only to the subject, inward, inmost. Hence said of the heart, soul, etc. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > innermost inmostc897 innerc900 privyc1300 intrinsic1490 interior1548 intrinsical1548 inward1548 secret1548 retired1596 in-pent1613 bosom1640 sneaking1748 interior1775 inside1888 1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John i. f. 47–9 Jesus yet declaring..how he knew the thoughts of men, were they neuer so secret. 1568 Ballad against Evil Women in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 33 Go follow thame quha list vnlawty leir Secreit invy [etc.]. 1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. H2^v Nor shall he smile at thee in secret thought. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. iv. 14 I haue vnclasp'd To thee the booke euen of my secret soule. View more context for this quotation 1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (xvii. 3 Paraphr.) 85 The searcher of the secretest thoughts. 1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 142 I had a secret Joy at the News. 1747 T. Gray Ode Eton Coll. 6 Or Jealousy with rankling Tooth, That inly gnaws the secret Heart. 1818 P. B. Shelley Julian & Maddalo 341 My secret groans must be unheard by thee. 1825 W. Scott Talisman vii, in Tales Crusaders III. 160 Holding them in his secret soul little better than the Saracens. 1862 H. Spencer First Princ. i. i. §5. 19 That the theological party regard Science with so much secret alarm. 1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. ii. 10 You will all of you execrate Lady Tippins in your secret hearts. †g. Abstruse, recondite; beyond ordinary apprehension or beyond unaided human intelligence. Of a person or thing: Pertaining to or dealing with mystical or occult matters. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > [adjective] higheOE dighela1000 deepc1000 darkOE starkOE dusk?c1225 subtle1340 dimc1350 subtilea1393 covert1393 mystica1398 murka1400 cloudyc1400 hard?c1400 mistyc1400 unclearc1400 diffuse1430 abstractc1450 diffused?1456 exquisitec1460 obnubilous?a1475 obscure?a1475 covered1484 intricate?a1500 nice?a1500 perplexeda1500 difficilea1513 difficult1530 privy1532 smoky1533 secret1535 abstruse?1549 difficul1552 entangled1561 confounded1572 darksome1574 obnubilate1575 enigmatical1576 confuse1577 mysteriousa1586 Delphic1598 obfuscatea1600 enfumed1601 Delphicala1603 obstruse1604 abstracted1605 confused1611 questionable1611 inevident1614 recondite1619 cryptic1620 obfuscated1620 transcendent1624 Delphian1625 oraculous1625 enigmatic1628 recluse1629 abdite1635 undilucidated1635 clouded1641 benighted1647 oblite1650 researched1653 obnubilated1658 obscurative1664 tenebrose1677 hyperbyssal1691 condite1695 diffusive1709 profound1710 tenebricose1730 oracular1749 opaque1761 unenlightening1768 darkling1795 offuscating1798 unrecognizable1817 tough1820 abstrusive1848 obscurant1878 out-of-focus1891 unplumbable1895 inenubilable1903 non-transparent1939 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms l. 6 Thou..hast shewed me secrete wyszdome. 1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. xxix. 72 b The Pilots (being not as yet acquainted with the secret signification of a spowte)..thought the same to bee a signe of faire weather. a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iv. i. 64 How now you secret, black, & midnight Hags? What is't you do? View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 77 I..to my State grew stranger, being transported And rapt in secret studies. View more context for this quotation 1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. ii. 15 Pericles.., could easily reduce the exercise of his mind from secret obstrusive things to publick popular causes. 1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. lxxx. 361 Menante..is very diligent in prying into the very secretest passages of Pernassus. 1727 D. Defoe Syst. Magick i. i. 3 They took it for granted that those Seers dealt in all secret Matters. 1775 J. Harris Philos. Arrangem. xi. 259 Such too are those more secret Operations of Bodies, whether magnetic or electric. h. Of a committee, conclave, etc.: Conducted with secrecy; that keeps its deliberations unknown to the public. Also secret session (originally U.S.), a meeting of a legislative or deliberative body, conducted in secret. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > conducted in private sunderlyeOE quiet1488 strict1606 secret1667 in camera1899 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 795 The great Seraphic Lords and Cherubim In close recess and secret conclave sat. View more context for this quotation 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 66 He early suggested to the King the expediency of appointing a secret committee of Roman Catholics. 1872 W. Bagehot Eng. Constit. (ed. 2) p. xlvii This objection might be easily avoided by requiring that the discussion upon treaties in Parliament like that discussion in the American Senate should be ‘in secret session’, and that no report should be published of it. 1916 H. H. Asquith in Hansard Commons 27 Nov. 37 I think it would be premature to consider this question till it has been decided whether a Secret Session should be held. 1940 W. S. Churchill Secret Session Speeches (1946) 17 The reason why I asked the House to go into Secret Session was not because I had anything particularly secret or momentous to say. 1946 G. B. Shaw Geneva (ed. 2) 4 All threatening news was mentioned only in secret sessions of parliament, hidden under heavy penalties. i. Hidden from sight; not discernible or visible; unseen (chiefly poetic). Also secret dovetail (Joinery): (see quot. 1972). ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > invisibility > [adjective] unseyenlyc1175 unsenec1200 unseeinga1300 invisible1340 unperceptiblea1398 unseeablea1400 unvisiblec1402 unsightablea1420 unsightyc1440 unperceivable?a1475 unsightfulc1480 imperceptible1536 secret1559 sightless1586 undiscernable1586 invised1609 viewlessa1616 imperceivablea1617 unspiablea1618 inconspicuous1624 undiscernible1624 inconspicablea1652 imperspicable1664 unperceptable1678 imperceptive1722 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > [adjective] > hidden dighela1000 dernc1000 wriena1250 privyc1300 unshewedc1386 wrapped1398 quatc1425 tectc1440 blinda1522 coucheda1522 dark1532 lurkingc1540 velated1542 hiddena1547 inclusive1554 concealed1558 secret1559 occult1567 disguised1594 occulted1598 derned1600 shrouded1600 latent1605 abstrused1608 supposed1608 unshown1614 enshielda1616 retruse1623 dissembled1631 researched1636 recondite1649 delitescent1653 larved1654 tected1657 bedilt1660 bosomed1667 inhidden1674 underground1677 abditive1727 secreted1756 unextruded1808 unprotruded1812 undisplayed1822 larvated1832 dissimulated1838 latescent1852 squat1956 1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Clifford 5 Nought so secrete but at length is spied. 1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 6^v So by the subtile secret baite the selie beast is taen. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. i. 174 Those that care to keepe your Royall Person From Treasons secret Knife. View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 15 Ye Boys, who pluck the Flow'rs,..Beware the secret Snake, that shoots a sting. 1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 22 With secret course, which no loud storms annoy, Glides the smooth current of domestic joy. 1781 W. Cowper Charity 369 Some [rills]..down the sloping hills, Winding a secret or an open course. 1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna xi. xix. 246 The men..Drew forth their secret steel, and stabbed each ardent youth. 1882 W. J. Christy Pract. Treat. Joints 168 Mitred Dovetail Joint... It is also designated secret dovetail. 1963 F. Hilton Adv. Carpentry & Joinery x. 180/2 Two members are jointed using a secret dovetail and the third stub-tenoned, with the surfaces mitred. 1972 Gloss. Terms Timber (B.S.I.) 52 Secret dovetail, a dovetailed angle in which dovetails are used but do not show on the face of either member. j. secret parts, †secret members: the external organs of sex. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > sex organs > [noun] shapea1000 shameOE i-cundeOE memberc1300 privy memberc1325 kindc1330 privitiesc1375 harness1382 shameful parts1382 genitoriesa1387 partc1390 tailc1390 genitalsa1393 thingc1405 genitalc1450 privy parts1533 secret1535 loin?1541 genitures1548 filthy parts1553 shamefulness1561 ware1561 meatc1564 natural places1569 secret members1577 lady ware1592 natural parts1601 lady's ware1608 gear1611 private parts1623 groin1631 pudendums1634 natural1650 privacies1656 sex1664 secrecyc1675 nudities1677 affair1749 sexual parts1753 person1824 sex organ1847 privates1940 naughty bits1972 1577 T. Kendall tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes f. 23 The Stockdoues secrete parts make lumpishe, dull, and dedde: Shunne hym to eate. 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 237 Guyl. Faith her priuates we. Ham. In the secret parts of Fortune. View more context for this quotation 1644 Reg. Privy Council Scott. 2nd Ser. VIII. 101 They causit thair officers..search our bodies and secreitt memberis for witch~markis. 1664 R. Hubert Catal. Rarities (1665) 12 A Nest of a Bird made like the secret parts of a man. k. Of a door, chamber drawer, passage, or mechanical contrivance: Designed to escape observation or detection. secret ink: ‘invisible’ or ‘sympathetic’ ink.Hence secret springer, one who makes secret springs. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > [adjective] > hidden > designed to escape detection secreta1616 society > communication > writing > writing materials > ink > [noun] > invisible ink invisible ink1684 sympathetic ink1721 secret ink1852 a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. v. 10 The English..Went through a secret Grate of Iron Barres, In yonder Tower, to ouer-peere the Citie. View more context for this quotation 1737 E. Hoppus Salmon's Country Builder's Estimator (ed. 2) 110 Secret Pad-Locks. 1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. xvi. 355 Pointing out to her a secret drawer. 1807 G. Crabbe Birth Flattery in Poems 193 But by a secret Spring, the Wall would move. 1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lxvii. 613 Put away in what they call the secret drawers of the desk. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 667 Secret passages were made from dwelling to dwelling. 1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. xii. 286 As characters written with a secret ink come out with the application of fire. 1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Secret-springer, one who puts in watch-springs. 1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere III. vii. xlvi. 309 A young ‘secret springer’, to use the mysterious terms of the trade [sc. watch-making]. †l. Of a sound: Little audible. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > inaudibility > [adjective] unhearable1483 unaudible1611 inaudiblea1616 secret1670 subaudible1837 1670 W. Clarke Nat. Hist. Nitre 28 Being fired in the open air, it [gunpowder] maketh but a flash, and a more secret noise. m. Of an agent: That works in secret. Of a person: That is secretly (what is expressed by the noun). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > that is secretly such inward1548 secreta1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. i. 135 A secret & villanous contriuer against mee his naturall brother. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 7 [O that] our first Parents had bin warnd The coming of thir secret foe. View more context for this quotation 1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Palamon & Arcite ii, in Fables 45 There saw I how the secret Fellon wrought. 1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 125 Resolv'd..to be..A seeming Widow, and a secret Bride. 1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. v. 84 Others, who were my secret Enemies, could not forbear some Expressions, which by a side-wind reflected on me. n. quasi-adv. Apart; secretly, in secret. Also in combinations with adjectives, as secret-breathed, secret-dimpling, secret-smiling, secret-stimulating, secret-tripping. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb] stillyc1000 dernlyc1175 dernea1200 privement?c1225 hidlingsa1250 in hidela1300 in scubardisa1300 stilla1300 hidel-likea1325 privyc1330 ywryȝeliche1340 in secre wysec1374 hidinglya1382 hidlya1382 in privy1384 closea1387 secrelyc1386 stalworthlya1400 covertlyc1400 secrec1405 in hidlings1422 secretly1447 secretementc1470 in secret1474 hugger-muggera1529 in hugger-mugger1529 secret1539 underboard1548 closely1552 darkly1559 in secret wise1563 hiddenly1580 tectly1587 underwater1600 concealedly1622 underground1632 occultly1641 in petto1647 under the rosea1704 subterraneously1791 suppressedly1825 underfoot1860 1539 in W. A. J. Archbold Somerset Relig. Houses (1892) 81 He went to hys chambre, were he callyd me secrett un to hym. a1600 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems xxxiv. 28 Secreit to meit. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. ii. 15 Be secret false: what need she be acquainted? View more context for this quotation 1725 L. Eusden tr. Ovid Amours ii. v, in Epist. 274 The secret-tripping Dame. 1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 1 [Ulysses] Consulting secret with the blue-ey'd Maid. 1744 E. Young Complaint: Night the Seventh 21 Nor is thy Life, O Virtue! less in Debt To Praise, thy secret-stimulating Friend. 1780 S. J. Pratt Emma Corbett III. cxxxviii. 158 The secret-breathed prayer. 1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 70 She had devised How she might secret to the forest hie. 1925 E. Blunden Eng. Poems 83 Black was the secret-dimpling stream. 1928 E. Blunden Retreat 33 Thus the bright-templed rhyme Before the secret-smiling author came. †o. in secret wise, secretly. (Cf. secre adj. 3b.) ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb] stillyc1000 dernlyc1175 dernea1200 privement?c1225 hidlingsa1250 in hidela1300 in scubardisa1300 stilla1300 hidel-likea1325 privyc1330 ywryȝeliche1340 in secre wysec1374 hidinglya1382 hidlya1382 in privy1384 closea1387 secrelyc1386 stalworthlya1400 covertlyc1400 secrec1405 in hidlings1422 secretly1447 secretementc1470 in secret1474 hugger-muggera1529 in hugger-mugger1529 secret1539 underboard1548 closely1552 darkly1559 in secret wise1563 hiddenly1580 tectly1587 underwater1600 concealedly1622 underground1632 occultly1641 in petto1647 under the rosea1704 subterraneously1791 suppressedly1825 underfoot1860 1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Rogation Wk. i. 232 Only I woulde wyshe your affection inflamed in secrete wyse within your selfe. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 198 The Scottes..in secret wise came downe into the marches of Yorkeshire. p. secret life n. a private life of a nature concealed from the common observer; spec. one consisting of covert sexual dealings. ΚΠ 1880 (title) My secret life. 1927 E. M. Forster Aspects of Novel v. 113 Happiness and misery exist in the secret life, which each of us lives privately. 1928 J. Galsworthy Swan Song iii. vii. 272 A secret life and Lippinghall! Long, long might that conjunction be deferred! 1973 L. Cooper Tea on Sunday xxvii. 207 Did you know that Holdsworth has a secret life?.. Lisa..saw him just going out of the bar with a glamour girl. 1976 C. Bermant Coming Home i. vii. 107 My secret life was now revealed to my parents. 2. a. Of a person: †Reserved or reticent in conduct or conversation (obsolete); not given to indiscreet talking or the revelation of secrets; silent as to any matter, uncommunicative, close. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > [adjective] unspeakinga1382 speechless1390 mutec1400 dumb1406 silenta1425 peaceablec1425 secretc1440 of few wordsa1500 tongue-tied1529 mum1532 closec1540 strait-laced1546 tongue-dumb1556 incommunicable1568 sparing1568 inconversable1577 retentive1599 wordless1604 mumbudget1622 uncommunicable1628 monastica1631 word-bound1644 on (also upon) the reserve1655 strait-mouthed1664 oyster-like1665 incommunicative1670 mumchance1681 speechless1726 taciturnous1727 tongue-tacked1727 monosyllabic1735 silentish1737 untalkative1739 silentious1749 buttoned-up1767 taciturn1771 close as wax1772 untittletattling1779 reticent1825 voiceless1827 say-nothing1838 unremonstrant1841 still1855 unvocal1858 inexpansive186. short-tongued1864 non-communicating1865 tight-lipped1876 unworded1886 chup1896 tongue-bound1906 shut-mouthed1936 zip-lipped1943 shtum1958 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > disposed to secrecy, secretive dernOE covert1340 secrec1385 secretc1440 mum1532 closec1540 whist1577 as silent as the grave1613 privatea1625 dark1650 uncommunicating1650 dry1681 uncommunicative1691 unexpansive1847 secretive1853 tight-lipped1876 cagey1909 zip-lipped1943 closet1948 coy1961 tight1977 c1440 Generydes 720 I haue founde yow..At all tymes full secrete and full trew. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. ii. 27 That she be secrete and telle not suche thynges as ought to be holden secrete. a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 63 Be secreit, trew, incressing of ȝour name. c1571 E. Campion Two Bks. Hist. Ireland (1963) ii. ix. 116 Ormond was secrett and driftye. 1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing i. i. 196 I can be secret as a dumb man. View more context for this quotation 1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 96 The Nuncio [commanded] them both to be secret of what had past. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 60 I am to breake with thee of some affaires..wherein thou must be secret . View more context for this quotation 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 27 But if a Man be thought Secret, it inuiteth Discouerie;..as in Confession, the Reuealing is not for worldly vse, but for the Ease of a Mans Heart, so Secret Men come to the Knowledge of Many Things, in that kinde. 1733 H. Fielding Miser (London ed.) v. xiii. 81 Were I not secret, Lud! have Mercy upon many a virtuous Woman's Reputation in this Town. 1825 W. Scott Talisman xv, in Tales Crusaders IV. 327 ‘My master bid me be secret,’ said the squire. 1874 J. L. Motley Life John of Barneveld I. i. 101 Sully was as secret as the grave. 1893 C. G. Leland Memoirs I. 242 It was in the hands of so few persons, who were all absolutely secret and trustworthy. absolute.1785 C. Wilkins tr. Bhăgvăt-Gēētā x. 64 Amongst the secret I am silent. b. figurative of silence, night, etc. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > [adjective] > characterized by lack of speech dumba1538 silent1549 secret1556 wordless1594 mump1599 speechless1726 elinguid1775 1556 tr. J. de Flores Histoire de Aurelio & Isabelle sig. A8 The secrete silence of the darcke night. 1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. iii. 180 Bring along The cordes..Which..Must be my conduct in the secret night. View more context for this quotation 1820 P. B. Shelley Sensitive Plant in Prometheus Unbound 167 The noonday sun..Mocking the spoil of the secret night. †3. That is entrusted with a person's private or secret affairs; that is a confidant; intimate with. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > entrusted with secrets privya1393 derna1400 secret1470 secre?1553 private1601 conscious1609 confident of1659 fellow-knowing1662 confidant1816 the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [adjective] > intimate or familiar > privately intimate privy?c1225 secret1470 private1574 confidential1759 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xi. ii. 574 He was receyued worshipfully with suche peple to his semyng as were aboute Quene Queneuer secrete. 1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 45 The fair Myrro & one woman which was secrete with her departed fro thens. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xxix. 90 He was secret with y^e duke. 1533 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1905) VI. 126 To ane secret man quhilk brocht writtingis to the Kingis grace. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 223 He was more secret with Quene Isabell the kings mother, then was to Gods pleasure or the kings honour. 1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Life Agricola in tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. 265 During the time of his sickenesse there came.. both of his secretest seruants & nearest phisicians to see him. 1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. 205 A great Politician, and very familiar, private, and secret with the Archbishop of Canterbury. 4. In various special collocations. a. Secret Council n. Scottish the Scottish Privy Council: see council n. 7. ΘΚΠ society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > council of state > [noun] > English or British privy council1450 Secret Council1546 council-table1678 witan1807 1546 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 26 My Lord Governour and Lordis of Secrete Counsel. 1581 R. Sempill Complaint vpon Fortoun (single sheet) Sacreit counsell can not be content, To suffer lordshippis in equalitie. 1678 J. Lauder Hist. Notices (Bannatyne Club) I. 186 The Secret Councell would have given him ane reprivall. b. secret seal n. = secre seal at secre adj. 2. Also = privy seal n. ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal > official or sovereign green waxa1350 secret seal1378 privy seal1410 signet1410 Great Seal1419 private seal1440 common seal1449 cocket1451 privy signet1477 half-seal1509 targec1510 broad seal1550 society > communication > indication > marking > imprinting > sealing > [noun] > seal > private secre seal1362 secret seal1378 secretum1863 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iii. 141 Heo may as muche do In a Mooneþ ones, As ȝoure secre seal [1377 B. iii. 145, 1393 C. iv. 183 secret seel] In Seuen score dayes. 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. viii. 25 Bote vndur his secre seal [1377 B. vii. 23 secret seel; 1393 C. x. 27 secre seel] Treuþe sende a lettre.] 1378 Rolls of Parl. III. 44/1 Pur Brief, ou lettre de Grant ou Prive Seal, ou del Secret Seal, ou autre mandement. 1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. x. 138 The whiche arn lunatik lollares..For vnder godes secre seel here synnes ben ykeuered. 1445 in Charters Glasgow (1906) II. 440 Because I had na sele of myne awn, I have procurit with instance the secrete sele of the burgh of Lithqw to be toput. c. (a) secret service n. services rendered to a government, the nature of which cannot be disclosed to the public, but which are paid for from a fund set apart for the purpose; hence an organization which performs this function; spec. (U.S.) a government department concerned with national security. Also attributive, as secret service fund, secret money; secret-service agent, secret-service man, one employed on secret service by government. Also transferred. ΘΚΠ society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service or police secret service1737 intelligence department1794 secret police1823 security service1918 S.S.1933 S.I.S.1939 intel1961 trade1966 society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > government department or agency > [noun] > with specific responsibility intelligence office1659 custom house1661 secret service1737 home department1782 home office1790 War Department1797 port authority1851 W.D.1855 welfare department1904 welfare1928 social services1968 1737 Gentleman's Mag. Sept. 531/2 The prodigious Increase of secret Service Money in the late Reign. 1808 G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 256 He would give a sum of 6,000l, or 7,000l., out of foreign secret-service. 1809 G. Canning Diaries (1860) I. 264 The S.S. fund is..for secret services—services that cannot be explained or avowed. 1817 T. L. Peacock Melincourt III. 140 We shall all be blown up in a body—sinecures, rotten boroughs, secret-service men [etc.]. 1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. xv. 540 A large expenditure appeared every year, under the head of secret service money. 1859 Atlantic Monthly Feb. 163/2 The Secret Service was doubled..while half Paris must have been under arrest. 1867 T. C. Baker Hist. U.S. Secret Service 34 There is nothing in the Secret Service that demands a violation of honor, or a sacrifice of principle, beyond the ordinary rules of warfare. 1900 Westm. Gaz. 25 May 7/3 Secret-service agent Brown took the accused man in charge [at San Francisco]. 1906 Daily Chron. 2 Nov. 10/2 One of the chief racing bodies..has a force of secret-service men to gather information that could never reach the Turf authorities if they sought it as Turf authorities. 1939 T. S. Eliot Old Possum's Bk. Pract. Cats 34 And when the loss has been disclosed, the Secret Service say: ‘It must have been Macavity!’ 1972 Police Rev. 10 Nov. 1445/1 The principal mission of the United States Secret Service today is safeguarding the lives of the President of the United States, the Vice-President, and many other important personalities in public life. 1981 A. Price Soldier no More vii. 93 I've got it... You're in the Secret Service. (b) secret agent n. a person engaged on secret service, esp. espionage. ΘΚΠ society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service agent secret agenta1715 operative1901 operator1966 station agent1974 a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 660 Such as endeavoured to make their escape, and were seized, (for guards and secret agents were spread along the whole roads and frontier of France). 1837 J. P. Henderson Let. 5 Nov. in Diplomatic Corr. Texas (Amer. Hist. Assoc.) (1911) III. 827 The Government of the United States..[sent] a secret agent to Texas to enquire into her situation, power etc. 1893 S. J. Weyman Gentleman of France II. xviii. 136 You are here as the secret agent of the King of Navarre. 1907 J. Conrad (title) The secret agent. 1939 G. Greene Confidential Agent i. ii. 67 In melodrama a secret agent was never tired. 1973 W. Fairchild Swiss Arrangem. ix. 114 Lisa laughed suddenly. ‘I never thought I'd be going to bed with a secret agent,’ she said. (c) secret police n. a police organization operating in secret, spec. one owing allegiance to the state or government and used for political purposes. Also secret policeman. ΘΚΠ society > law > law enforcement > police force or the police > political police > [noun] > secret service or police secret service1737 intelligence department1794 secret police1823 security service1918 S.S.1933 S.I.S.1939 intel1961 trade1966 1823 F. Burney Waterloo Jrnl. in Jrnls. & Lett. (1980) VIII. 394 Buonaparte..trusted in the address of that mental diving machine, his secret police, for warding off any hazard. 1863 ‘Ouida’ Held in Bondage I. x. 233 The world has a trick of serving, like the Swiss Guard and the secret police, whichever side is uppermost and pays them best. 1910 A. Bennett Clayhanger ii. xiv. 257 Some concealed emissary of the Russian secret police. 1938 E. Ambler Cause for Alarm vii. 119 The Ovra..has become a regularly constituted secret police force. 1973 D. Miller Chinese Jade Affair xviii. 176 The woes of being a secret policeman during the visits of V.I.P. personalities. 1981 G. Priestland Priestland's Progress ii. 38 Paul..had begun life as a religious secret policeman commissioned to stamp out the Church. d. secret society n. an organization formed to promote some cause by secret methods, its members being sworn to observe secrecy. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > an association, society, or organization > secret society > [noun] club1682 secret society1829 mafia1891 1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. iii. 80 It was countersigned in red ink, with the badges of the Secret Society, a coil of ropes and a drawn dagger... The extent and omnipresence of these Secret Associations. 1874 C. W. Heckethorn Secret Societies 4 Secret societies may be classed under the following heads: 1. Religious... 2. Military... 3. Judiciary... 4. Scientific... 5. Civil... 6. Political. 1888 A. Johnston in Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 784 A widespread secret society, the ‘Ku-Klux-Klan’. e. secret list n. chiefly Military a register of research work or developments about which information may not be disclosed. Also transferred. ΚΠ 1933 Meccano Mag. Feb. 109/1 As the aeroplane is on the Air Ministry Secret List, performance figures are not yet available for publication. 1949 A. Koestler Promise & Fulfilm. ii. v. 269 The war research which they are doing..is still on the secret list. 1955 E. Waugh Officers & Gentlemen i. x. 129 There's an agitation..to take you off the secret list. Heroes are urgently required to boost civilian morale. 1977 ‘J. D. White’ Salzburg Affair vii. 63 A missile projector, brand new..and still on the secret list. f. secret weapon n. a weapon (often of potentially decisive force) classified as secret. Also figurative and transferred. ΚΠ 1936 E. Ambler Dark Frontier i. vi. 91 He once told me that in these days there was no such thing as a secret weapon. 1939 W. S. Churchill Into Battle (1941) 150 The magnetic mine..may perhaps be Herr Hitler's much vaunted secret weapon. 1953 E. Simon Past Masters ii. 78 See the candid camera at work, that misnamed secret weapon. 1962 Listener 2 Aug. 160/2 The formidable Signor Mattei, who is Italy's anything but secret weapon. 1980 A. Scholefield Berlin Blind ii. 75 Ah, the secret weapons... They are going to bring England to her knees. 5. attributive, as secret-natured, secret-tongued. ΚΠ 1596 R. Linche Dom Diego in Diella sig. F3 When secret-tongued night puts on her mistie sable-coloured vayle. 1728 H. Fielding Masquerade 16 'Tis this, which sets the Chymist on, To search that secret-natur'd Stone. B. n. I. Something kept secret. 1. Something unknown or unrevealed or that is known only by initiation or revelation; a mystery; chiefly plural, the hidden affairs or workings (of God, Nature, Science, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > the occult > [noun] > hidden or mysterious affair secrec1386 secret1390 arcanum1646 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > a profound secret, mystery > [noun] rounOE mysteryc1384 sacramentc1384 secrec1386 secret1390 riddlec1400 concealment1598 arcanum1605 Sphinxa1610 abstrusity1632 cryptic1663 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 54 Was nevere yet so wys a clerk, Which mihte knowe..the secret which god hath set Ayein a man mai noght be let. c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 84 Glorious Philosophers..to whom ys geuyn þe knowynge of secretez of sciencez, þat were hyd to alle men. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 8 That is ane office of ane angel, to reuele the secretis of god. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Bviii In the which there be innumerable secretes of nature. 1630 W. Davenant Just Italian v. sig. I3 Iealous Nature, hath lock'd, her secrets in a Cabinet. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 569 For how shall I..unfould The secrets of another world, perhaps Not lawful to reveal? View more context for this quotation 1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) II. 35 Nature has kept us at a great distance from all her secrets. 1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian x, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 214 Many devout ministers and professors in times past had enjoyed downright revelation, like the blessed Peden and Lundie..wha entered into the secrets. 1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xxi. 36 When science reaches forth her arms To feel from world to world, and charms Her secret from the latest moon. View more context for this quotation 1872 J. Ruskin Eagle's Nest §79 Think of the vain research..of those who have tried to penetrate the secrets of life, or of its support. 2. In Liturgical use: A prayer or prayers said by the celebrant in a low voice after the Offertory and before the Preface. See secreta n.¹ ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > parts of service > prayer said in low voice > [noun] secre1297 secret1387 secreta1737 society > faith > worship > prayer > kinds of prayer > [noun] > secret secre1297 secret1387 secreta1737 1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VIII. 33 Sche wolde selden come at cherche, and þan unneþ sche wolde abyde þe secretes of þe messe. 14.. Pol. Rel. & L. Poems (1903) 122 And aftur þe fyrste orysoun Þer ys an-oþur of gret Renoun Þat to þe sowle ys wonþur swete, Menne calle hit þe secrete. a1540 R. Barnes Wks. (1573) 357/2 Pope Gelasius..appointed that the Priestes should say the Secretes, the Cannon, and the Prefaces with their armes stretched abroad. 1844 Catholic Weekly Instr. 86 The prayers called secrets, (so called because they are silently offered,) follow, and are a second collect. 3. Some fact, affair, design, action, etc., the knowledge of which is kept to oneself or shared only with those whom it concerns or to whom it has been confided; something that cannot be divulged without violation of a command or breach of confidence. Frequently with an adjective prefixed, esp. as an intensive, as a dead, entire, profound secret. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret derna1000 counsel1377 secrec1386 dernheada1400 secretnessc1425 secrecyc1450 secret1450 concealment1598 reservation1612 cabal1631 recess1646 occult1648 reserve1680 state secret1822 reserving1844 inédit1910 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [noun] > private matter or business counsel1377 secrec1386 secret1450 chamber counsela1616 privatea1616 particulara1617 privacya1625 confidence1748 1450–80 tr. Secreta Secret. lix. 35 Þat no man be so prive with him, forto se þe lettris of thi secretz. 1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iv. iii The shepherd..sayd paye me of that I haue kepte the secrete. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cliiij^v Certen Senatours had disclosed their secretes. 1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 16 There is also one Secretarie..who..knowes all the secret onlie that passeth betwixt the King & the Captain general. 1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 152 Quhome he..in al his secreitis admitted. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 2 Sir Thurio, giue vs leaue (I pray) a while, We haue some secrets to confer about. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. i. 86 O let me liue, And all the secrets of our campe Ile shew, Their force, their purposes. View more context for this quotation a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1683 (1955) IV. 323 Who was now admitted to the Councils, & Cabinet seacrets againe. 1701 G. Stanhope tr. St. Augustine Pious Breathings 123 The Gift is evident, and is the Giver a secret? 1743 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 20 Nov. (1966) II. 314 Reasons..for keeping it an entire secret. 1805 W. Scott Let. 12 Apr. (1932) I. 248 This is a dead secret. 1825 W. Scott Betrothed v, in Tales Crusaders I. 88 The monk, in alluding to the secrets of the confessional, had gone a step beyond what the rules of his order..permitted. 1837 J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott II. ii. 42 It is an old saying, that wherever there is a secret there must be something wrong. 1854 ‘C. Bede’ Further Adventures Mr. Verdant Green (ed. 2) xi. 104 His writing for the prize poem had been a secret. 1876 C. M. Yonge Cameos cxxvi, in Monthly Packet May 413 He kept his marriage a secret. 1888 Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 450/2 This device has never been patented, but is a secret. 1890 J. Middlemass Two False Moves I. xv. 224 Much that she had heard that day must be kept a dead secret. 1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxvii. 363 If you were to keep this letter a secret from him. 4. a. A method or process (of an art, etc.) hidden from all except the initiated. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > [noun] > specific manner of action or operation > secret or known only by a select few secret1486 mystery1563 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > secret process secret1486 mystery1563 trade secret1825 1486 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. xv. 273 And the secretes and counsell of the same arte, ye shall trewlie kepe and Layne. 1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 244^v Of..certeyne secreates touchyng the arte of saylynge. 1572 L. Mascall Bk. Plant & Graffe Trees To Rdr. sig. A.iiij^v Declaring of diuers wayes of planting and graffyng,..with shewing of diuers commodities and secretes herein. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1650 (1955) III. 24 An Impostor that had like to have impos'd upon us, a pretended seacret of Multiplying gold. 1742 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) I. 97 The balance of power is a secret in politics. 1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) II. 528 What secret did the Asiatics possess to raise cities so vast and so populous? 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 269 Our nation..can cure wounds,..and in our own family, in particular, are secrets which have been handed down since the days of Solomon. †b. Hence, an infallible prescription, a specific. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [noun] > a medicine or medicament > specific medicine secret1558 nostrum1602 magistrality1605 magistral1621 magisteriala1627 specifical1651 specificum1651 specific1661 magistery1669 1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount (1568) 24 a This is a very rare secrete against suche a disease. 1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. ix. 584/1 It is a Secret against the Gonorrhœa. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. vii. 247 The idea that satiating the servants of the public with wealth is a secret for rendering them honest. c. (Const. of.) That which accounts for something surprising or extraordinary; the essential thing to be observed in order to secure some end. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > cause or reason > [noun] thingOE cause?c1225 why1303 casec1325 chesounc1330 skillc1340 mannerc1390 reasona1398 springa1500 impulsion1605 vicissitude1605 whereforea1616 hoti1646 dioti1651 secret1738 the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > that which is important > essential or central pitheOE effectc1405 substancec1450 kernel1556 nick1577 keystone1641 vitals1657 narrow1702 secret1738 ganglion1828 nub1833 primality1846 keyword1848 knub1864 buzzword1946 in word1964 1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 121 Few People know the Secret of this. 1846 C. Kingsley Lett. (1878) I. 146 The only secret of success is to feel and confess yourself nothing, that God may make you everything. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 58 So strangely were good and evil intermixed in the character of these celebrated brethren; and the intermixture was the secret of their gigantic power. †5. A place of concealment; a secret place; a hiding place, place of retreat. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > a secret place, hiding place > [noun] hidelsc975 hidela1300 bushc1330 hulkc1330 derna1340 tapissinga1340 coverta1375 hiding1382 loting-placea1398 cover14.. hiding placec1440 mewa1450 closetc1450 hole1483 cure1502 secret1530 shrouding place1571 ivy-bush1576 coney burrowa1586 hidlings1597 foxhole1606 shrouding corner1610 recess1611 subterfuge1616 latibule1623 latebra1626 blind1646 privacy1648 hide1649 retreat1697 rathole1770 hidey-hole1817 tod hole1846 hulster1880 hideout1885 cwtch1890 castle1898 lurk1906 stash1927 hideaway1930 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 268/2 Secrete a prevy place, requoy. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. xii. sig. Kk2^v Into their cloysters now he broken had..And searched all their cels and secrets neare. View more context for this quotation ?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 379 Vpon ane dyke doun was he sett Into a secreit out of sicht. a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 103 God himselfe is an invisible Spirit..he hides himselfe in Clowdes, and dwelleth in Secrets. †6. plural = secret parts at sense A. 1j (see A. 1j). Also singular. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > sex organs > [noun] shapea1000 shameOE i-cundeOE memberc1300 privy memberc1325 kindc1330 privitiesc1375 harness1382 shameful parts1382 genitoriesa1387 partc1390 tailc1390 genitalsa1393 thingc1405 genitalc1450 privy parts1533 secret1535 loin?1541 genitures1548 filthy parts1553 shamefulness1561 ware1561 meatc1564 natural places1569 secret members1577 lady ware1592 natural parts1601 lady's ware1608 gear1611 private parts1623 groin1631 pudendums1634 natural1650 privacies1656 sex1664 secrecyc1675 nudities1677 affair1749 sexual parts1753 person1824 sex organ1847 privates1940 naughty bits1972 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Deut. xxv. 11 Yf..the wyfe put forth hir hande, and take him by the secretes. 1554 D. Lindsay Dialog Experience & Courteour i. 986 in Wks. (1931) I Than..thay..maid thame Breikis of leuis grene, That thair secreitis suld nocht be sene. 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 34 They..ronne..starck naked (sauing they haue a clothe before their secrets). 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 73 Their secret hangeth forth more then at other times. 1656 P. Heylyn Surv. Estate France 237 Those..had the secrets of nature..filled with gun-powder, and so blown into ashes. 1739 Gen. Chirurg. Dict. at Gynæ Comystax, in J. Sparrow tr. H. F. Le Dran Observ. Surg. The upper Part of a Womans Secrets. 7. Armour. ‘A coat of mail concealed under one's usual dress’ (Jamieson). ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > body armour > [noun] > coat of mail or corselet > worn under normal dress privy coat1532 secret1578 1578–9 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. III. 105 With daggis, pistolettis, Jakis, and secreitis of plait. 1600 Gowrie Conspiracy D 2 b The Earle bade him putte on his secret and plaite sleeues, for he had an hey-land man to take. 1609 J. Skene Treat. in Regiam Majestatem 151 [They] quha sall resort, or repaire within his Majesteis palace,..armed with Iakis, Secreitis, or corsleits, vnder their coats, doublets, or vtherwaies, sallbe apprehended. 1643 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1870) VI. 43/2 That þej provyde jackes or secreites lances and steill bonnettes and swordes. 1820 W. Scott Monastery II. x. 287 A short doublet of buff, under which was in some places visible that light shirt of mail which was called a secret, because worn instead of more ostensible armour to protect against private assassination. 1825 W. Scott Talisman xv, in Tales Crusaders IV. 337 A secret, or coat of linked mail, worn beneath the corslet. 1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 94 He, therefore, wore under his jerkin a secret, or coat of chain-mail. 1853 G. P. R. James Agnes Sorel I. xiii. 289 I think it were as well if you wore a secret beneath your ordinary dress. †II. A person who works secretly. 8. A private counsellor, secret adviser. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > [noun] > adviser or counsellor > confidential privya1325 privy counsellora1393 discreet1474 secreta1513 earworma1670 a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. lxviii. f. xxv When he [sc. Constantyne] awoke he called this vicyon to mynde and tolde vnto his Secretes, by whose Counsayll he commaundyd the sygne of the Crosse to be peynted and sette in his Baners. Phrases P1. [The adjective used absol.] in secret [= Latin in secreto, French en secret] : in private, not openly or in public; secretly. †at one's secret: to oneself, privately. †of secret: of a secret character. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adverb] stillyc1000 dernlyc1175 dernea1200 privement?c1225 hidlingsa1250 in hidela1300 in scubardisa1300 stilla1300 hidel-likea1325 privyc1330 ywryȝeliche1340 in secre wysec1374 hidinglya1382 hidlya1382 in privy1384 closea1387 secrelyc1386 stalworthlya1400 covertlyc1400 secrec1405 in hidlings1422 secretly1447 secretementc1470 in secret1474 hugger-muggera1529 in hugger-mugger1529 secret1539 underboard1548 closely1552 darkly1559 in secret wise1563 hiddenly1580 tectly1587 underwater1600 concealedly1622 underground1632 occultly1641 in petto1647 under the rosea1704 subterraneously1791 suppressedly1825 underfoot1860 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adverb] > to oneself inwardlyc1175 at one's secret1474 inmostly1851 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] dernc897 dighela1000 hid?c1225 stillc1275 stillyc1275 covertc1303 secrec1374 secret1399 secretivec1470 covered1484 dark1532 underhid1532 hiddena1547 concealed1558 abstruse1576 unshewing1598 mystical1600 of secreta1616 mystica1625 subterraneous1652 researched1653 hugger-mugger1692 hidlingsa1810 sub rosa1824 cachet1837 cloak and dagger1841 theftuous1881 q.t.1910 closet1966 down-low1991 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. ii. 28 And thus euery wyf tolde hit to other in secrete. 1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxxxxvi. 129 And..the kynge..sayd att his secrete, that he myght not be wrothe with his wyf. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. vi. f. vij Thy father which seith in secret. [So later versions.] 1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Hegendorphinus in Panoplie Epist. 382 Drunkards..kepe nothing in secrete, but..blab abroad in the hearing of all men, whatsoever. 1588 R. Parke tr. J. G. de Mendoza Hist. Kingdome of China 143 He..passed alongest, but not in such secret but that hee was discouered. 1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 236 One word in secret . View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. vi. 206 I return'd..With Tokens thus, and thus:..nay some markes Of secret on her person. View more context for this quotation 1616 G. Chapman tr. Musaeus Divine Poem 260 Loose acts done In surest secret: in the open Sunne And euery Market place, will burne thine eares. 1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 722 My soul shall sigh in secret. 1876 Ld. Tennyson Harold v. ii. 158 Some held she was his wife in secret. P2. (Chiefly in senses A. 3, A. 4) to be in (rarely †on) the secret, to be one of the participants in a secret; †to be of secrets with, to share the confidence or secrets of (a person); to let (a person) into the secret, to confide (to him) the secret (of an affair, trade); hence slang (see quots. 1699, 1801); to make a secret of (something), to make (it) a matter of concealment, to keep (it) to oneself. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > make friends with [verb (transitive)] > share confidence or secrets of (a person) to be of secrets with1535 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > operate secretly [verb (intransitive)] > share secret to be of (a person's) bosom1608 to be in (rarely on) the secret1680 to be on the in1932 to be on the inside1932 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep quiet about [phrase] to keep or hold (a matter) counsel (later in counsela1400 to keep secret1399 to keep (something) dark1532 to draw a veil over1582 not to tell one's shirt1586 to keep one's (own) counsel1604 to put (also keep) in one's pocketa1616 to name no names1692 to make a secret of1738 to keep (‥) snug1778 to clap, put, or keep the thumb on1825 to wash one's dirty linen at home, in public1867 to hold back1956 to sweep (also brush, kick, etc.) (something) under the rug1956 to get it off one's chest1961 to sweep (or push) (something) under the carpet1963 1535 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 228 We have in warde,..Dam Jenet Ewstace, which was thErle of Kildares aunt, and most of secrets with him. 1680 Bp. G. Burnet Some Passages Life Rochester (1692) 28 Even those who were on the secret, and saw him in these shapes, could perceive nothing by which he might be discovered. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1674 (1955) IV. 38 In a short time let him so into the seacret of affaires..that there was a kind of necessity to advance him. 1697 J. Vanbrugh Æsop ii. i It's a good trade..: let a lad be but diligent, and do what he's bid, he shall be let into the secret, and share part of the profits. 1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Secret, let into the Secret, when one is drawn in at Horse~racing, Cock-fighting, Bowling, and other Sports or Games, and Bit. 1703 Duke of Queensberry in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. IV. 238 He says he was let into all the secrets of the correspondence of Scotsmen with St. Germains. 1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 29 You may make a Secret of it, but we can spell, and put together. 1742 Defoe's Tour Great Brit. (ed. 3) I. 79 Before I was let into the Secret, as 'tis called, which is indeed nothing but the knavish Part of the Sport [of Horseracing]. 1801 Ld. Nelson Let. in Sotheby's Catal. 15 June 1897, 17 As I am not in the secret, and feel I have a right to speak out. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iv. 453 James, who had from the first been in the secret of his brother's foreign politics. 1885 F. M. Peard Near Neighbours II. i. 18 Nor had he made the least secret of his intention to use all means to hold her. P3. a. In the Biblical phrase, the secrets of the (one's) heart.Not in Wyclif, who has ‘hid thinges’ (Vulgate abscondita). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > deep, personal mystery1529 the secrets of the (one's) heart1535 bosom secret1659 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xliv. 21 Shulde not God fynde it out? for he knoweth the very secretes of the hert. 1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John i. f. 47–9 Nathanaell..who was perswaded, that the secretes of the hearte was open to god onely. a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) ii. i. 305 Thy bosome shall partake The secrets of my Heart. View more context for this quotation a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 103 The Secrets of his heart none knowes; but he, that made it. b. an open secret: something which is ostensibly a secret, but which requires little effort or penetration to discover. Also secret of Polichinelle = secret de Polichinelle n. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [noun] > something concealed, a secret > unsuccessful an open secret1828 secret of Polichinelle1828 secret de Polichinelle1857 1828 T. Carlyle in Foreign Rev. 2 iii. 101 The ‘open secret’ is no longer a secret to him, and he knows that the Universe is full of goodness; that whatever has being has beauty. 1853 C. Brontë Villette III. xliii. 336 I wanted to prove to Miss Lucy that I could keep a secret... How many times has she saucily insinuated that all my affairs are the secret of Polichinelle! 1879 F. Pollock in W. K. Clifford Lect. Introd. i. 1 It is an open secret to the few who know it, but a mystery..to the many, that Science and Poetry are own sisters. 1882 L. Stephen Swift iv. 74 The mask [of anonymity] was..a sufficient protection against legal prosecution, but in reality covering an open secret. Compounds C1. General attributive and objective. secret-keeper n. ΚΠ 1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 273 Thou hast the Air of a Secret-keeper of that sort. 1904 Edinb. Rev. Jan. 56 Earth, the secret keeper of birth and of death. secret-monger n. ΚΠ 1754–64 W. Smellie Treat. Midwifery I. 257 A selfish secret-monger. 1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters i. 38 Itinerant empyrics and secret-mongers. C2. secret-graph n. a code for communicating secrets.Apparently an isolated use. ΚΠ 1799 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1800) 3 329 Instruct ladies to form a perfect secret-graph by the arrangement of Patches. Draft additions March 2020 secret history n. a work consisting of secret, private, or previously unpublished episodes of history or biography. Often in the titles of such works. Cf. anecdote n. 1. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > a written composition > [noun] > other spec. defence1546 paradox1594 secret history1650 pentaglot1727 morceau1748 murdering piece1797 pièce de circonstance1830 national epic1841 scholarly edition1850 cantefable1903 chantefable1937 1650 T. Hawkins et al. tr. N. Caussin Holy Court (new ed.) v. 166/1 Behold here the springs of Belizarius his misery, which Procopius hath observed in his secret History. 1740 (title) The ass race: or the secret history of Archy Armstrong, fool to King Charles I. 1883 Leicester Chron. & Leics. Mercury 19 May (Suppl.) 1/3 She has read all the secret histories..and knows all the ins and outs of court life..for the last three hundred years. 1989 G. Marcus (title) Lipstick traces: a secret history of the twentieth century. 2006 R. Carnell Partisan Politics, Narr. Realism, & Rise of Brit. Novel 182 Eighteenth-century ‘secret histories’ provided a counter-narrative to official histories. Draft additions July 2009 Secret Santa n. (also with lower-case initial(s)) originally U.S. a person who gives a Christmas present anonymously, now usually by means of a type of gift exchange among a group of colleagues, friends, etc., whereby each participant is assigned (at random) another person for whom to provide a gift; (also) a gift exchange of this type. ΚΠ 1933 Bee (Danville, Va.) 22 Dec. 2/4 (headline) Plays secret santa, then kills self. 1969 Chicago Tribune 25 Dec. b12/1 Presents for the needy from a secret Santa. 1989 M. Moffatt Coming of Age in New Jersey ii. 32 ‘Secret Santa’, a favorite student festivity in the Rutgers dorms in the early 1980s. 1999 M. Bank Girls' Guide to Hunting & Fishing 240 In college, Bonnie was my Secret Santa. 2001 M. Lightstone Rogues & Vagabonds 128 The past two Christmases they had done Secret Santa, a sensible face-saving device when there are lots of gifts to buy and cash is in short supply. Draft additions June 2016 secret shopper n. originally U.S. a person employed to pose as a customer in order to evaluate a business based on the quality or range of goods, customer service, etc.; = mystery shopper n. at mystery n.¹ Compounds. ΚΠ 1892 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 14 Aug. 10/1 The most singular and least known of the women employees is the ‘secret shopper’... Her business is to go from one shop to another and price and buy special lines of goods. 1945 Gastonia (N. Carolina) Daily Gaz. 21 June 1/6 The secret shopper visited several stores which..have prided themselves on their War Bond sales, entered into conversation with the eighteen salespeople, and was asked by only two of them to buy bonds. 2010 H. Davis & D. Iwanow Google Advertising Tools (ed. 2) 153 Test your affiliate links, using a ‘secret shopper’ if necessary. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022). † secretv. Etymology: < secret n.In the inflected forms it is not easy to distinguish between ˈsecret and secrete v.² Obsolete. transitive. To keep secret, conceal, hide. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > hide, conceal [verb (transitive)] heeleOE forhelec888 i-hedec888 dernc893 hidec897 wryOE behelec1000 behidec1000 bewryc1000 forhidec1000 overheleOE hilla1250 fealc1325 cover1340 forcover1382 blinda1400 hulsterc1400 overclosec1400 concealc1425 shroud1426 blend1430 close1430 shadow1436 obumber?1440 mufflea1450 alaynec1450 mew?c1450 purloin1461 to keep close?1471 oversilec1478 bewrap1481 supprime1490 occulta1500 silec1500 smoor1513 shadec1530 skleir1532 oppressa1538 hudder-mudder1544 pretex1548 lap?c1550 absconce1570 to steek away1575 couch1577 recondite1578 huddle1581 mew1581 enshrine1582 enshroud1582 mask1582 veil1582 abscondc1586 smotherc1592 blot1593 sheathe1594 immask1595 secret1595 bemist1598 palliate1598 hoodwinka1600 overmaska1600 hugger1600 obscure1600 upwrap1600 undisclose1601 disguise1605 screen1611 underfold1612 huke1613 eclipsea1616 encavea1616 ensconcea1616 obscurify1622 cloud1623 inmewa1625 beclouda1631 pretext1634 covert1647 sconce1652 tapisa1660 shun1661 sneak1701 overlay1719 secrete1741 blank1764 submerge1796 slur1813 wrap1817 buttress1820 stifle1820 disidentify1845 to stick away1900 1595 Drake's Voy. (1849) 25 Your loves, I thinke, can pardon these faltes, and secret them from the vewe of others. 1596 W. Raleigh Discoverie Guiana (new ed.) 21 A large chart..which I shall most humbly pray your Lo. to secret, and not to suffer it to passe your own hands. 1619 W. Sclater Expos. 1 Thess. (1630) 398 Things that hee [God] hath pleased to secret vnto himselfe. 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 26 If a Man..can discerne, what Things are to be laid open, and what to be secretted. 1693 W. Freke Sel. Ess. xxvi. 155 The seueral Methods of Secreting our Sense in writing. a1734 R. North Examen (1740) i. i. §xvi. 23 Can any Thing but a Monster in common Sense argue..that the Earl intended to secret the Sense of his Words. Derivatives ˈsecreting n. ΚΠ 1616 F. Bacon Advice to G. Villiers in Wks. (1872) VI. 41 There is great care to be used for the councillors themselves to be well chosen, so there is of the clerks of the council, for the secreting of their consultations. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2021). < adj.n.1378v.1595
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secretadj.n.

Phrases

Compounds

Draft additions March 2020

Draft additions July 2009

Draft additions June 2016

† secretv.

Derivatives