occult sciences

1 definition found

occult sciences - 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]