1. A piece of writing or work of doubtful authenticity or authorship, especially a religious text not included in the biblical canon.
Usage: Often used in religious and literary scholarship; Plural: apocrypha or apocryphs
2. A secret or hidden writing; something kept from public knowledge.
Usage: archaic or literary usage

Examples

• Scholars debate whether the apocryphon should be considered part of the biblical tradition.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls contained several apocrypha that shed light on early Jewish thought.
• This apocryphon was attributed to the apostle Peter but is now believed to be a later composition.
• Religious historians study apocrypha to understand beliefs outside the mainstream canon.
• The manuscript was long considered an apocryphon until new evidence emerged supporting its authenticity.
• Many apocrypha contain valuable historical information despite their uncertain origins.