n. [ L. secessus. See Secede. ] Retirement; retreat; secession. [ Obs. ] Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. secessio: cf. F. sécession. See Secede. ] 1. The act of seceding; separation from fellowship or association with others, as in a religious or political organization; withdrawal. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (U.S. Hist.) The withdrawal of a State from the national Union. [ 1913 Webster ]

Secession Church (in Scotland). See Seceder. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The doctrine or policy of secession; the tenets of secession; the tenets of secessionists. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who upholds secession. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (U.S. Hist.) One who holds to the belief that a State has the right to separate from the Union at its will. [ 1913 Webster ]