Definition of esoteric
1a
: designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone
a body of esoteric legal doctrine— B. N. Cardozo
b
: requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group
esoteric terminology
broadly
: difficult to understand
esoteric subjects
2a
: limited to a small circle
engaging in esoteric pursuits
b
: private, confidential
an esoteric purpose
3
: of special, rare, or unusual interest
esoteric building materials
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for esoteric
The first known use of esoteric was circa 1660
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