Schism (?), n. [OE. scisme, OF. cisme, scisme, F. schisme, L. schisma, Gr. , fr. to split; akin to L. scindere, Skr. child, 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, ∨ Western schism Eccl. a schism in the 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Law, an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.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 1913.