DOCTRINE • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Doctrine

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/dˈɑktrən/ /dˈɔktərɪn/ Listen

noun

doctrine n.

1.

Teaching; instruction. "He taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken."

2.

That which is taught; what is held, put forth as true, and supported by a teacher, a school, or a sect; a principle or position, or the body of principles, in any branch of knowledge; any tenet or dogma; a principle of faith; as, the doctrine of atoms; the doctrine of chances. "The doctrine of gravitation." "Articles of faith and doctrine."

The Monroe doctrine (Politics), a policy enunciated by President Monroe (Message, Dec. 2, 1823), the essential feature of which is that the United States will regard as an unfriendly act any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their systems on this continent, or any interference to oppress, or in any manner control the destiny of, governments whose independence had been acknowledged by the United States.

Synonyms: Precept; tenet; principle; maxim; dogma. Doctrine, Precept. Doctrine denotes whatever is recommended as a speculative truth to the belief of others. Precept is a rule down to be obeyed. Doctrine supposes a teacher; precept supposes a superior, with a right to command. The doctrines of the Bible; the precepts of our holy religion. "Unpracticed he to fawn or seek for power By doctrines fashioned to the varying hour."

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Etymology of 'Doctrine'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Doctrine" Quotes from Famous Books

... was the sound and simple doctrine that you can confidently look to Chance to bring you results, probably your very best results, if you are prepared and equipped to make all your profit out of chance the moment she leans your way. Chance is an elusive goddess, to be seized and held prisoner ...

— The Summons • A.E.W. Mason

... Epicurus to the World had taught, That Pleasure was the Chiefest Good, (And was perhaps i'th' right, if rightly understood) His Life he to his Doctrine brought, And in a Gardens Shade that Sovereign Pleasure sought. Whoever a true Epicure would be, May there find cheap and virtuous Luxury. Vitellius his Table, which did hold As many Creatures as the Ark of old: That Fiscal Table, to which every day All Countries did a constant Tribute pay, ...

— Sylva, Vol. 1 (of 2) - Or A Discourse of Forest Trees • John Evelyn

... immortality, Infinite Wisdom gave not a dictionary, nor a grammar, but a Bible—a book of heavenly doctrine, but withal of earthly ...

— The Carved Cupboard • Amy Le Feuvre

... which were solely intended to discover the truth: their principle rather was, as it has been the principle of many, to obtain proofs that their own particular way of thinking was the right one. It is not perhaps very good even for a system of doctrine when this is the principle by which it is tested. It is more fatal still, on this principle, to judge an individual for death or for life. It will be abundantly proved, however, by all that is to follow, that in face of this ...

— Jeanne d'Arc - Her Life And Death • Mrs.(Margaret) Oliphant

... The way in which the Germans in the recent war have applied this doctrine raises, we ...

— Music: An Art and a Language • Walter Raymond Spalding

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