GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Schism , n. [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.
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   Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity.
   Eikon Basilike.
   
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   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(Law), an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.
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