Main Entry:

²secret

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1 a: something kept hidden or unexplained : mystery b: something kept from the knowledge of others or shared only confidentially with a few c: a method, formula, or process used in an art or operation and divulged only to those of one's own company or craft : trade secret dplural : the practices or knowledge making up the shared discipline or culture of an esoteric society2: a prayer traditionally said inaudibly by the celebrant just before the preface of the mass3: something taken to be a specific or key to a desired end <the secret of longevity>

— in secret

: in a private place or manner