Works of uncertain authorship or authenticity, originally referring to religious texts not included in the biblical canon. In broader cultural use, it describes any collection of stories or writings of doubtful or spurious origin.
From Greek 'apokryphos' meaning 'hidden' or 'secret,' from 'apokryptein' (to hide away). Originally described religious texts kept hidden from general readership, later applied to any work whose authenticity or canonical status was questionable.
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