[ad. mod.L. cryptologia, f. Gr. κρυπτός hidden + -λογια speaking, etc.: see -LOGY.] ‘Secret speech or communication’ (Blount, Glossogr., 1656); mystical or enigmatical language.
[1641. Wilkins, Mercury, ii. (1707), 8. Cryptologia, or the Secresy of Speaking, may consist either 1. In the Matter. 2. In the Words.]
c. 1645. Howell, Lett., I. III. xxxvii. Cryptology, or Epistolizing in a Clandestin way, is very ancient.
1840. New Monthly Mag., LX. 226. Certain advertising individuals, who are most mischievously addicted to another species of cryptology.
