stealth

Definition

The attribute or characteristic of acting in secrecy, or in such a way that the actions are unnoticed or difficult to detect by others.

Etymology

From Middle English stelthe, from Old English stǣlþ, from Proto-Germanic *stēliþō, to Proto-Germanic *stelaną (“to steal, to sneak”) + *-iþō, equivalent to steal + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Compare Old English stalu (“theft, stealth”), Old High German stāla (“theft”), German Diebstahl (“theft”).

Example Sentences

• "Claudio.[...] But it chances The stealth of our most mutuall entertainment With Character too grosse, is writ on Iuliet."
• "[The King] thinks it fit[...] that restitution according to this order be made to the petitioners for stealths committed upon them last winter (273)."