noun pl. secretaries -·tar′·ies

1. 1. a person whose work is keeping records, taking care of correspondence and other writing tasks, etc. as for an individual in a business office
   2. an officer of a company, club, etc. having somewhat similar functions
2. ☆ an official in charge of a department of government
3. a writing desk, esp. one topped with a small bookcase

Etymology: ML secretarius, one entrusted with secrets < L secretum: see secret