Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Schism?

\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. 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(Law), an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.