Mys"ter*y (m&ibreve;s"t&etilde;r*&ybreve;),
n.; pl. Mysteries (-
&ibreve;z). [L. mysterium, Gr. mysth`rion, fr.
my`sths one initiated in mysteries; cf. myei^n
to initiate into the mysteries, fr. my`ein 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. métier, 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.
