\Doc"trine\, n. [F. doctrine, L. doctrina, fr. doctor.
See {Doctor}.]
1. Teaching; instruction.
         He taught them many things by parables, and said
         unto them in his doctrine, Hearken.   -- Mark iv. 2.
2. That which is taught; what is held, put forth as true, and
   supported by a teacher, a school, or a sect; a principle
   or position, or the body of principles, in any branch of
   knowledge; any tenet or dogma; a principle of faith; as,
   the doctrine of atoms; the doctrine of chances. ``The
   doctrine of gravitation.'' --I. Watts.
         Articles of faith and doctrine.       -- Hooker.
{The Monroe doctrine} (Politics), a policy enunciated by
   President Monroe (Message, Dec. 2, 1823), the essential
   feature of which is that the United States will regard as
   an unfriendly act any attempt on the part of European
   powers to extend their systems on this continent, or any
   interference to oppress, or in any manner control the
   destiny of, governments whose independence had been
   acknowledged by the United States.
Syn: Precept; tenet; principle; maxim; dogma.
Usage: -- {Doctrine}, {Precept}. Doctrine denotes whatever is
       recommended as a speculative truth to the belief of
       others. Precept is a rule down to be obeyed. Doctrine
       supposes a teacher; precept supposes a superior, with
       a right to command. The doctrines of the Bible; the
       precepts of our holy religion.
             Unpracticed he to fawn or seek for power By
             doctrines fashioned to the varying hour. --
                                               Goldsmith.