dogma

dogma
    n 1: a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without
         proof [syn: {dogma}, {tenet}]
    2: a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative; "he
       believed all the Marxist dogma"
    

Dogma \Dog"ma\ (d[o^]g"m[.a]), n.; pl. E. {Dogmas}
   (d[o^]g"m[.a]z), L. {Dogmata} (d[o^]g"m[.a]*t[.a]). [L.
   dogma, Gr. do`gma, pl. do`gmata, fr. dokei^n to think, seem,
   appear; akin to L. decet it is becoming. Cf. {Decent}.]
   1. That which is held as an opinion; a tenet; a doctrine.
      [1913 Webster]

            The obscure and loose dogmas of early antiquity. --
                                                  Whewell.
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   2. A formally stated and authoritatively settled doctrine; a
      definite, established, and authoritative tenet.
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   3. A doctrinal notion asserted without regard to evidence or
      truth; an arbitrary dictum.

   Syn: tenet; opinion; proposition; doctrine.

   Usage: -- {Dogma}, {Tenet}. A tenet is that which is
          maintained as true with great firmness; as, the tenets
          of our holy religion. A dogma is that which is laid
          down with authority as indubitably true, especially a
          religious doctrine; as, the dogmas of the church. A
          tenet rests on its own intrinsic merits or demerits; a
          dogma rests on authority regarded as competent to
          decide and determine. Dogma has in our language
          acquired, to some extent, a repulsive sense, from its
          carrying with it the idea of undue authority or
          assumption. This is more fully the case with its
          derivatives dogmatical and dogmatism.
          [1913 Webster]
    

DOGMA, civil law. This word is used in the first chapter, first section, of 
the second Novel, and signifies an ordinance of the senate. See also Dig. 
27, 1, 6. 
    

22 Moby Thesaurus words for "dogma":
      Athanasian Creed, Catechism, Nicene Creed, a belief,
      article of faith, articles of faith, articles of religion, axiom,
      belief, canon, conviction, credenda, credo, creed, doctrine, maxim,
      persuasion, precept, principle, teaching, tenet, view