apocrypha

[ uh-pok-ruh-fuh ]

noun

, (often used with a singular verb)

1. (initial capital letter) a group of 14 books, not considered canonical, included in the Septuagint and the Vulgate as part of the Old Testament, but usually omitted from Protestant editions of the Bible.
2. various religious writings of uncertain origin regarded by some as inspired, but rejected by most authorities.
3. writings, statements, etc., of doubtful authorship or authenticity. Compare canon ¹( defs 6, 7, 9 ).

Apocrypha

/ əˈpɒkrɪfə /

noun

1. the 14 books included as an appendix to the Old Testament in the Septuagint and the Vulgate but not included in the Hebrew canon. They are not printed in Protestant versions of the Bible
2. See Pseudepigrapha
   RC Church another name for the Pseudepigrapha

Apocrypha

1. Religious writings that have been accepted as books of the Bible (see also Bible ) by some groups but not by others. The Roman Catholic Church , for example, includes seven books, such as Judith, I and II Maccabees , and Ecclesiasticus, in the Old Testament that Jews (see also Jews ) and Protestants do not consider part of the Bible. Some churches may read the Apocrypha for inspiration but not to establish religious doctrine.

Notes

By extension, an “apocryphal” story is one that is probably false but nevertheless has some value.

Word History and Origins

Origin of apocrypha¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek, neuter plural of apókryphos hidden, unknown, spurious, equivalent to apokryph- (base of apokrýptein to hide away; apo-, crypt ) + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of apocrypha¹

C14: via Late Latin apocrypha ( scripta ) hidden (writings), from Greek, from apokruptein to hide away

Example Sentences

What was new to them was not the fact of the assumption but the detailed incidents with which the Apocrypha embroidered it.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1879 the Bishop went up the river to Wuchang, and began the translation of the Apocrypha.

From Project Gutenberg

The Prophets, the Hagiographa, and the Apocrypha were translated at various times during the succeeding three hundred years.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Apocrypha the animal itself, and its use in war, is mentioned; in the old Sanscrit writings it frequently appears.

From Project Gutenberg

Regarding these Apocrypha the attitude of the church changed a good deal during our period.

From Project Gutenberg