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   Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.