I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: from cover up, v.
: a device or stratagem for masking, concealing, or preventing investigation, incrimination, or discovery
a cover-up for incompetence and wishful thinking — Herbert Elliston
using a contrived accident as a cover-up for murder
II. noun
1. : a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public
2. : a loose outer garment