| Schism | n. [ OE. scisme, OF. cisme, scisme, F. schisme, L. schisma, Gr. schi`sma, fr. schi`zein 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity. Eikon Basilike. [ 1913 Webster ]
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(Law), an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719. [ 1913 Webster ]
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