adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ s ə r- ə p- ' ti-sh ə s, ˌ s ə -r ə p-, s ə - ˌ rep-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin surrepticius, from surreptus, past participle of surripere to snatch secretly, from sub- + rapere to seize ― more at RAPID
Date: 15th century
1 : done, made, or acquired by stealth : CLANDESTINE
2 : acting or doing something clandestinely : STEALTHY <a surreptitious glance>
synonyms see SECRET
– sur · rep · ti · tious · ly adverb