Crŷpt, n.

n. [Fr. crypte, Lat. crypta, Gr. κρύπτη, from κρύπτειν, to hide.] 1. A subterranean cell or cave; especially, a vault under a church, used for the interment of persons; a grave or tomb. Priesthood works out its task age after age, . . . treasuring in convents and crypts the few fossils of antique learning. Morley. 2. (Arch.) The space under a building, or hidden from view; especially, a subterranean chapel or oratory; hence, a hiding-place.