a society or organization that conceals its rites, activities, etc, from those who are not members
secret society in American English
any organized group that conceals some of its ritual and other activities from nonmembers
secret society in American English
noun
an organization, as a fraternal society, the members of which take secret initiation oaths, share secret passwords and rites, and are bound to assist each other
Word origin
[1820–30]This word is first recorded in the period 1820–30. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: analogue, blouse, boomerang, karma, myth
Examples of 'secret society' in a sentence
secret society
He reckons that a global secret society runs the world.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
When that inquiry started, we were accused of being a secret society.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It was like entering a secret society.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Would you like to be part of a secret society of outcasts?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The revolution this secret society had in mind was decidedly textual.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
The story starts in 1971, when a group of school friends formed a secret society.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It's the smoke of friendship, of a shared secret society, your first important transgression and the self-determination of youth.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other parts of his manifesto he referred to himself as a 'justiciar knight commander' and outlined a military-like hierarchy of his alleged secret society.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He carries a spare high-visibility vest tucked into his waistband, as if he were about to initiate another person into the secret society.