*occultation*

n. [ L. occultatio a hiding, fr. occultare, v. intens. of occulere: cf. F. occultation. See Occult. ] 1. (Astron.) The hiding of a heavenly body from sight by the intervention of some other of the heavenly bodies; -- applied especially to eclipses of stars and planets by the moon, and to the eclipses of satellites of planets by their primaries. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Fig.:) The state of being occult. [ 1913 Webster ]

The reappearance of such an author after those long periods of occultation. Jeffrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

Circle of perpetual occultation. See under Circle. [ 1913 Webster ]