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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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