King James Bible Dictionary

A separation, an alienation causing divisions among Christians, who ought to be united (1 Corinthians 12:25).

A formal division inside a religious group.
1 Corinthians 12:25

SCHISM, noun sizm. [Latin schisma; Gr. to divide, Latin scindo.]

1. In a general sense, division or separation; but appropriately, a division or separation in a church or denomination of christians, occasioned by diversity of opinions; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith.

- Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity.

In Scripture, the word seems to denote a breach of charity, rather than a difference of doctrine.

2. Separation; division among tribes or classes of people.

SCHISMAT'ICAL, adjective sizmat'ical. Pertaining to schism; implying schism; partaking of the nature of schism; tending to schism; as schismatical opinions or proposals.

SCHISMAT'IC, noun One who separates from an established church or religious faith, on account of a diversity of opinions.

SCHISMAT'ICALLY, adverb In a schismatical manner; by separation from a church on account of a diversity of opinions.

SCHISMAT'ICALNESS, noun The state of being schismatical.

SCHIS'MATIZE, verb intransitive To commit or practice schism; to make a breach of communion in the church.

SCHISM'LESS, adjective Free from schism; not affected by schism. [Little used.]