n.; pl. Mysteries [ L. mysterium, Gr. mysth`rion, fr. my`sths one initiated in mysteries; cf. myei^n to initiate into the mysteries, fr. my`ein to shut the eyes. Cf. Mute, a. ] 1. A profound secret; something wholly unknown, or something kept cautiously concealed, and therefore exciting curiosity or wonder; something which has not been or can not be explained; hence, specifically, that which is beyond human comprehension. [ 1913 Webster ]

We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery. 1 Cor. ii. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]

If God should please to reveal unto us this great mystery of the Trinity, or some other mysteries in our holy religion, we should not be able to understand them, unless he would bestow on us some new faculties of the mind. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A kind of secret religious celebration, to which none were admitted except those who had been initiated by certain preparatory ceremonies; -- usually plural; as, the Eleusinian mysteries. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. pl. The consecrated elements in the eucharist. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Anything artfully made difficult; an enigma. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Mysteries. [ OE. mistere, OF. mestier, F. métier, L. ministerium. See Ministry. ] 1. A trade; a handicraft; hence, any business with which one is usually occupied. [ 1913 Webster ]

Fie upon him, he will discredit our mystery. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

And that which is the noblest mystery
Brings to reproach and common infamy. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A dramatic representation of a Scriptural subject, often some event in the life of Christ; a dramatic composition of this character; as, the Chester Mysteries, consisting of dramas acted by various craft associations in that city in the early part of the 14th century. [ 1913 Webster ]

“Mystery plays, ” so called because acted by craftsmen. Skeat. [ 1913 Webster ]