western schism

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.
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         Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by
         truth, and to our schisms by charity.    --Eikon
                                                  Basilike.
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   {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      Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.
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