Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - apocrypha

 noun plural but singular or plural in construction  Etymology: Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, neuter plural of apocryphus secret, not canonical, from Greek apokryphos obscure, from apokryptein to hide away, from apo- + kryptein to hide — more at crypt  Date: 14th century  1. writings or statements of dubious authenticity  2. capitalized  a. books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate but excluded from the Jewish and Protestant canons of the Old Testament — see bible table  b. early Christian writings not included in the New Testament