n. (pl. -ies)
1 a secret, hidden, or inexplicable matter (the reason remains a mystery).
2 secrecy or obscurity (wrapped in mystery).
3 (attrib.) secret, undisclosed (mystery guest).
4 the practice of making a secret of (esp. unimportant) things (engaged in mystery and intrigue).
5 (in full mystery story) a fictional work dealing with a puzzling event, esp. a crime (a well-known mystery writer).
6 a a religious truth divinely revealed, esp. one beyond human reason. b RC Ch. a decade of the rosary.
7 (in pl.) a the secret religious rites of the ancient Greeks, Romans, etc. b archaic the Eucharist.
Phrases and idioms:
make a mystery of treat as an impressive secret. mystery play a miracle play. mystery tour (or trip) a pleasure excursion to an unspecified destination.
Etymology: ME f. OF mistere or L mysterium f. Gk musterion, rel. to MYSTIC
2.
n. (pl. -ies) archaic a handicraft or trade, esp. as referred to in indentures etc. (art and mystery).
Etymology: ME f. med.L misterium contr. of ministerium MINISTRY, assoc. with MYSTERY(1)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.