n. pl., but often used as sing. with pl. Apocryphas [ L. apocryphus apocryphal, Gr. &unr_; hidden, spurious, fr. &unr_; to hide; &unr_; from + &unr_; to hide. ] 1. Something, as a writing, that is of doubtful authorship or authority; -- formerly used also adjectively. [ Obs. ] Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specif.: Certain writings which are received by some Christians as an authentic part of the Holy Scriptures, but are rejected by others. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Fourteen such writings, or books, formed part of the Septuagint, but not of the Hebrew canon recognized by the Jews of Palestine. The Council of Trent included all but three of these in the canon of inspired books having equal authority. The German and English Reformers grouped them in their Bibles under the title Apocrypha, as not having dogmatic authority, but being profitable for instruction. The Apocrypha is now commonly &unr_;mitted from the King James's Bible. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Pertaining to the Apocrypha. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Not canonical. Hence: Of doubtful authority; equivocal; mythic; fictitious; spurious; false. [ 1913 Webster ]

The passages . . . are, however, in part from apocryphal or fictitious works. Sir G. C. Lewis. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who believes in, or defends, the Apocrypha. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In an apocryphal manner; mythically; not indisputably. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality or state of being apocryphal; doubtfulness of credit or genuineness. [ 1913 Webster ]