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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity. Eikon Basilike. [ 1913 Webster ]

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(Law), an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L., a split, separation, Gr. schi`sma: cf. F. schisma. See Schism. ] (Anc. Mus.) An interval equal to half a comma. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who creates or takes part in schism; one who separates from an established church or religious communion on account of a difference of opinion. “They were popularly classed together as canting schismatics.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Heretic; partisan. See Heretic. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. schismaticus, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. schismatique. ] Of or pertaining to schism; implying schism; partaking of the nature of schism; tending to schism; as, schismatic opinions or proposals. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Same as Schismatic. -- Schis*mat"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Schis*mat"ic*al*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Schismatized p. pr. & vb. n. Schismatizing ] [ Cf. F. schismatiser. ] To take part in schism; to make a breach of communion in the church. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Free from schism. [ 1913 Webster ]