Secession \Se*ces"sion\, n. [L. secessio: cf. F. s['e]cession. See Secede.]

1. The act of seceding; separation from fellowship or association with others, as in a religious or political organization; withdrawal.

2. (U.S. Hist.) The withdrawal of a State from the national Union.

Secession Church (in Scotland). See Seceder.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)