/kloz"it/ , n.
1. a small room, enclosed recess, or cabinet for storing clothing, food, utensils, etc.
2. a small private room, esp. one used for prayer, meditation, etc.
3. a state or condition of secrecy or carefully guarded privacy: Some conservatives remain in the closet except on election day. Gay liberation has encouraged many gay people to come out of the closet.
4. See water closet .
adj.
5. private; secluded.
6. suited for use or enjoyment in privacy: closet reflections; closet prayer.
7. engaged in private study or speculation; speculative; unpractical: a closet thinker with no practical experience.
8. being or functioning as such in private; secret: a closet anarchist.
v.t.
9. to shut up in a private room for a conference, interview, etc. (usually used in the passive voice): The Secretary of State was closeted with the senator for three hours in a tense session.
[ 1300-50; ME clos CLOSE (n.) + -et -ET ]