Etymology

Adjective

1. Understood by only a few; obscure; requiring secret or mysterious knowledge.
   • 1997: Chris Horrocks, Introducing Foucault, page 67, The Renaissance Episteme (Totem Books, Icon Books; ISBN 1840460865)

     A “signature” was placed on all things by God to indicate their affinities — but it was hidden, hence the search for knowledge. Knowing was guessing and interpreting, not observing or demonstrating.