Definitions for: Mystery


[n] something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained; "how it got out is a mystery"; "it remains one of nature's secrets"
[n] a story about a crime (usually murder) presented as a novel or play or movie



Webster (1913) Definition: Mys"ter*y, n.; pl. Mysteries. [L. mysterium, Gr. ?,
fr. ? one initiated in mysteries; cf. ? to initiate into the
mysteries, fr. ? to shut the eyes. Cf. Mute, a.]
1. A profound secret; something wholly unknown, or something
kept cautiously concealed, and therefore exciting
curiosity or wonder; something which has not been or can
not be explained; hence, specifically, that which is
beyond human comprehension.

We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery. --1 Cor.
ii. 7.

If God should please to reveal unto us this great
mystery of the Trinity, or some other mysteries in
our holy religion, we should not be able to
understand them, unless he would bestow on us some
new faculties of the mind. --Swift.

2. A kind of secret religious celebration, to which none were
admitted except those who had been initiated by certain
preparatory ceremonies; -- usually plural; as, the
Eleusinian mysteries.

3. pl. The consecrated elements in the eucharist.

4. Anything artfully made difficult; an enigma.


Mys"ter*y, n.; pl. Mysteries. [OE. mistere, OF.
mestier, F. m['e]tier, L. ministerium. See Ministry.]
1. A trade; a handicraft; hence, any business with which one
is usually occupied.

Fie upon him, he will discredit our mystery. --Shak.

And that which is the noblest mystery Brings to
reproach and common infamy. --Spenser.

2. A dramatic representation of a Scriptural subject, often
some event in the life of Christ; a dramatic composition
of this character; as, the Chester Mysteries, consisting
of dramas acted by various craft associations in that city
in the early part of the 14th century.

``Mystery plays,'' so called because acted by
craftsmen. --Skeat.

Synonyms: closed book, enigma, mystery story, secret, whodunit

See Also: detective story, murder mystery, perplexity, story

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals beginning with c
animals starting with e
animals beginning with d
animals beginning with o