schism: Meaning and Definition of

schism

Pronunciation: (siz'um, skiz'-), [key]
— n.
  1. division or disunion, esp. into mutually opposed parties.
  2. the parties so formed.
    1. a formal division within, or separation from, a church or religious body over some doctrinal difference.
    2. the state of a sect or body formed by such division.
    3. the offense of causing or seeking to cause such a division.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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