apocrypha
UK: əˈpɒkrɪfə | US: əˈpɑːkrɪfə
n. Writings or statements of dubious authenticity, often attributed to a notable source but not officially recognized.
n. (Biblical context) Religious texts not included in the canonical scriptures.
apocrypha = apo<away> + cryph<hidden> + a<plural suffix>
- apo (Greek: "away, from")
- cryph (Greek: "hidden, obscure," from kryptein "to hide")
- a (plural marker in Greek-derived words)
Etymology Origin:
The term originates from ecclesiastical Greek apokryphos ("hidden, obscure"), referring to texts excluded from the public canon due to disputed authorship or content. The prefix apo- ("away") emphasizes exclusion, while -cryph ("hidden") reflects secrecy. Over time, it broadened to denote any spurious or unverified writings.
Scholars debate whether the apocrypha should be considered part of the biblical canon.
The manuscript was dismissed as apocrypha due to its inconsistent style.
His alleged diary entries were later proven to be apocrypha.
Medieval libraries often preserved apocrypha alongside sacred texts.
The term apocrypha now extends to dubious historical claims.