Apocryphas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Books or writings of dubious authenticity, often excluded from canonical texts and considered non-authoritative
  2. Texts that are regarded as of questionable origin or truth, often included or excluded based on religious or scholarly debate
  3. Works that are not universally accepted as genuine, frequently pertaining to sacred literature or historical accounts with disputed legitimacy

Etymology: The noun in question appears to be a plural form related to the adjective "apocryphal," which itself derives from the Greek word "apokryphos," meaning "hidden" or "secret." This root was originally used in the context of writings or texts that were not part of the official or canonical collection, often religious scriptures. The term "apocrypha" came to designate these excluded texts, especially those associated with the Bible but not accepted into the official canon. The plural form "apocryphas" is somewhat unusual in English, where "apocrypha" itself functions as a plural noun borrowed directly from Latin and Greek. English speakers generally use "apocrypha" to refer collectively to these non-canonical writings without adding an English plural ending. When "-s" is appended, it likely represents an attempt to create a more regular plural form, following standard English noun pluralization, though this is not standard and rarely seen in formal contexts. The journey of this word into English began around the 14th century, primarily through ecclesiastical Latin, where it denoted books of doubtful authenticity. Over time, the meaning broadened to include any writings or stories of questionable origin or truthfulness, which is how "apocryphal" came to describe dubious or fictitious tales in everyday language. Thus, the term carries a legacy of secrecy and exclusion, rooted in theological debates about authenticity and authority, before branching out into the general arena of doubtful or spurious claims. The use of an English plural "-s" reflects a natural, if nonstandard, linguistic adaptation as speakers navigate inherited foreign forms.

Synonyms: apocryphal texts, spurious writings

Antonyms: canonical texts, authentic writings