[f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality or state of being covert; secrecy.
1586. A. Day, Eng. Secretary, II. (1625), 103. In respect of the covertnesse, safety and assurance in him reposed.
1730–6. in Bailey (folio), Covertness, hiddenness.
1755. in Johnson; and in later Dicts.
