obreptitious, a.
(ɒbrɛpˈtɪʃəs)
[f. L. obreptīcius (f. obrept-us, pa. pple. of obrēp-ĕre) + ous: see -itious1.]
Characterized by obreption (see prec.); containing a false statement made for the sake of obtaining something. Hence obrepˈtitiously adv.
| 1611 Cotgr., Obreptice, obreptitious, stollen, foisted in. 1658 Phillips, Obreption, a creeping, or stealing upon by craft; whence obreptitious, i. stollen upon by crafty means. 1732 Hist. Litteraria IV. 295 An obreptitious and surreptitious Version. 1875 Manning in Contemp. Rev. Dec. 18 The Archbishop, believing the Bull to be obreptitious..would not publish it. 1890 T. E. Bridgett Blund. & Forg. 18 Perhaps the rescript..was obtained obreptitiously or subreptitiously. |