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; inviable; secret;
concealed; unknown.
It is of an occult kind, and is so insensible
in its advances as to escape observation.
I.
Taylor.
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.
Oc*cult", v. t. To eclipse; to
hide from sight.