Apocryphal

views updated Jun 11 2018

Apocryphal. Of the same form as a book of scripture but excluded from the canon as doubtful or spurious. Among Jewish writings the word is best applied not to the Apocrypha proper but to the wider class of Pseudepigrapha, and thus to the ‘Apocryphal Old Testament’. The ‘Apocryphal New Testament’ includes gospels, acts of apostles, epistles, and apocalypses.

apocryphal

views updated May 17 2018

a·poc·ry·phal / əˈpäkrəfəl/ • adj. (of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true: an apocryphal story about a president. ∎  (also Apocryphal) of or belonging to the Apocrypha.

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