secrecy

SE'CRECY, noun. [from secret.] 1. Properly, a state of separation; hence, concealment from the observation of others, or from the notice of any persons not concerned; privacy; a state of being bid from view. When used of an individual, secrecy implies concealment from all others; when used of two or more, it implies concealment from all persons except those concerned. thus a company of counterfeiters carry on their villainy in secrecy. The Lady Anne, Whom the king in secrecy hath long married. Shak. 2. Solitude; retirement; seclusion from the view of others. 3. Forbearance of disclosure or discovery. It is not with public as with private prayer; in this, rather secrecy is commanded than outward show. Hooker. 4. Fidelity to a secret; the act or habit of keeping secrets. For secrecy no lady closer.