(from the Greek, σχίσμα, cliff, fissure), in its general acceptation signifies division or separation; but is chiefly used in speaking of separations happening Schistus from diversity of opinions among people of the same religion and faith.

Thus we say the schism of the ten tribes of Judah and Benjamin, the schism of the Persians from the Turks and other Mahometans, &c.

Among ecclesiastical authors, the great schism of the West is that which happened in the times of Clement VII. and Urban VI., which divided the church for 40 or 50 years, and was at length ended by the election of Martin V. at the council of Constance.

The Romanists number 34 schisms in their church.—They bestow the name English schism on the reformation of religion in this kingdom. Those of the church of England apply the term schism to the separation of the nonconformists, viz. the presbyterians, independents, and anabaptists, for a further reformation.