— schismless , adj.
/siz"euhm, skiz"-/ , n.
1. division or disunion, esp. into mutually opposed parties.
2. the parties so formed.
3. Eccles.
a. a formal division within, or separation from, a church or religious body over some doctrinal difference.
b. the state of a sect or body formed by such division.
c. the offense of causing or seeking to cause such a division.
[ 1350-1400; sc ( h ) isma (s. sc ( h ) ismat- ) schízein to split, with -ma (s. -mat- ) n. suffix of result; r. ME ( s ) cisme, sisme ]