Great Schism

noun

a period of division in the Roman Catholic Church, 1378–1417, over papal succession, during which there were two, or sometimes three, claimants to the papal office.

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British Dictionary definitions for great schism

Great Schism

noun

the breach between the Eastern and Western churches, usually dated from 1054

the division within the Roman Catholic Church from 1378 to 1429, during which rival popes reigned at Rome and Avignon

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012