[L., f. Gr. κρυπτός hidden + L. porticus gallery.] In ancient architecture, a concealed or enclosed portico; an enclosed gallery having, at the side, walls with openings instead of columns; also a covered or subterranean passage.
1681. Cotton, Wond. Peake, 5. An entry … such an one as we might well Think it the Crypto-porticus of Hell.
1832. Gell, Pompeiana, II. 61. In one of the most obscure parts of the cryptoporticus.
1877. Ll. Jewitt, Half-hrs. among Eng. Antiq., 67. Two courts … surrounded by a gallery, or cryptoporticus.
