Trithemius was apparently using the term steganography by at least the (1540s), as referenced by other authors like H.C. Agrippa (who I believe was one of his pupils).
But, Johannes G. Faust mentions the term, along with others like necromancy and prognostication, in 1505, so it's difficult to know whether Faust or Trithemius used it first (or whether both adapted it from an even earlier source.
Often terms like this begin as oral jargon and don't make it out of the small circle until someone puts it in print.
But, Johannes G. Faust mentions the term, along with others like necromancy and prognostication, in 1505, so it's difficult to know whether Faust or Trithemius used it first (or whether both adapted it from an even earlier source.
Often terms like this begin as oral jargon and don't make it out of the small circle until someone puts it in print.