Under The Rose

[Penny Padgett]

> I've never run across this phrase anywhere else.

You've probably heard the Latin version "sub rosa."  My Random House
Unabridged Dictionary dates the term from 1920-25, and gives the
etymology as "from the ancient use of the rose at meetings as a 
symbol of the sworn confidence of the participants."

Should probably ask the Eco fans in the crowd for more details.  :-)

Penny