Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Schism
Schism
,Noun.
[OE.
scisme
, OF. cisme
, scisme
, F. schisme
, L. schisma
, Gr. σχίσμα
, fr. σχίζειν
to split; akin to L. scindere
, Skr. chid
, and prob. to E. shed
, v.t. (which see); cf. Rescind
, Schedule
, Zest
.] Division or separation;
specifically
(Eccl.)
, permanent division or separation in the Christian church; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith; the offense of seeking to produce division in a church without justifiable cause.
Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our
schisms
by charity. Eikon Basilike.
Greek schism
(Eccl.)
, the separation of the Greek and Roman churches.
– Great schism
, or
Western schism
(Eccl.)
a schism in the Roman church in the latter part of the 14th century, on account of rival claimants to the papal throne.
– Schism act
(Law)
, an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, – passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.
Webster 1828 Edition
Schism
SCHISM
,Noun.
1.
In a general sense, division or separation; but appropriately, a division or separation in a church or denomination of christians, occasioned by diversity of opinions; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith.- Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity.
In Scripture, the word seems to denote a breach of charity, rather than a difference of doctrine.
2.
Separation; division among tribes or classes of people.