HERESY

noun an offense against christianity, consisting in a denial of some essential doctrine, which denial is publicly avowed, and obstinately maintained.

2. heresy ·noun an opinion held in opposition to the established or commonly received doctrine, and tending to promote a division or party, as in politics, literature, philosophy, ·etc.;

— usually, but not necessarily, said in reproach.

3. heresy ·noun religious opinion opposed to the authorized doctrinal standards of any particular church, especially when tending to promote schism or separation; lack of orthodox or sound belief; rejection of, or erroneous belief in regard to, some fundamental religious doctrine or truth; heterodoxy.