/dok"trin/ , n.
1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government: Catholic doctrines; the Monroe Doctrine.
2. something that is taught; teachings collectively: religious doctrine.
3. a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject: the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
[ 1350-1400; ME doctrina teaching, equiv. to doct ( o ) r DOCTOR + -ina -INE 2 ]
Syn. 1. tenet, dogma, theory, precept, belief.