a. Obs. [f. L. clanculārius secret, f. clanculum adv., dim. of clam in secret, privately. The normal adaptation was CLANCULARY: see -AR2.
(Classed as a new and uncouth word by Heylin in 1656, though it had been used by good writers for more than a generation.)]
Secret, private; clandestine, underhand.
1621. Burton, Anat. Mel., I. ii. I. ii. (1651), 52. By clancular poysons he can infect the bodies.
1631. Brathwait, Whimzies, Hospitall-man, 45. Clancular houres of private prayer and devotion.
1642. Jer. Taylor, Episc. (1647), 322. His sentences must not be clancular, but in open Court.
1658. Manton, Exp. Jude 15, Wks. 1871, V. 298. By whisperings and clancular suggestions.
a. 1677. Barrow, Serm. (1810), II. 74. Proceedings … not close or clancular, but frank and open.
a. 1734. North, Exam., II. iv. § 14 (1740), 239. He was dared with two clancular Men, supposed to inform Oates.
1755. Bp. Lavington, Moravians comp. & det., 34.
