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Webster 1913 Edition


Apostasy

A-pos′ta-sy

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Apostasies
.
[OE.
apostasie
, F.
apostasie
, L.
apostasia
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] a standing off from, a defection, fr. [GREEK] to stand off, revolt; [GREEK] from + [GREEK] to stand. See
Off
and
Stand
.]
An abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total desertion of departure from one’s faith, principles, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith;
as, Julian's
apostasy
from Christianity
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Apostasy

APOS'TASY

,
Noun.
[Gr. a defection, to depart.]
1.
An abandonment of what one has professed; a total desertion, or departure from one's faith or religion.
2.
The desertion from a party to which one has adhered.
3.
Among physicians, the throwing off of exfoliated or fractured bone, or the various solution of disease.
4.
An abscess.