Meaning

noun an esoteric or occult matter resembling the Kabbalah that is traditionally secret

noun an esoteric theosophy of rabbinical origin based on the Hebrew scriptures and developed between the 7th and 18th centuries

originBorrowed from Hebrew קַבָּלָה (kabalá, “Jewish mysticism”, literally “something received”). It refers to the notion that Kabbalah is a set of mystical doctrines received in antiquity and passed on in small circles. Doublet of cabal.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0