from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Occult \Oc*cult"\, a. [L. occultus, p. p. of occulere to cover
up, hide; ob (see {Ob-}) + a root prob. akin to E. hell: cf.
F. occulte.]
Hidden from the eye or the understanding; invisible; secret;
concealed; unknown.
[1913 Webster]
It is of an occult kind, and is so insensible in its
advances as to escape observation. --I. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
{Occult line} (Geom.), a line drawn as a part of the
construction of a figure or problem, but not to appear in
the finished plan.
{Occult qualities}, those qualities whose effects only were
observed, but the nature and relations of whose productive
agencies were undetermined; -- so called by the schoolmen.
{Occult sciences}, those sciences of the Middle Ages which
related to the supposed action or influence of occult
qualities, or supernatural powers, as alchemy, magic,
necromancy, and astrology.
[1913 Webster]