Definition of: doctrine

(dok′trin) noun
1. That which is taught or set forth for acceptance or belief; that which is held to be true by any person, sect, or school; especially, in religion, a tenet, or body of tenets; belief; dogma.
2. Obs. Instruction; teaching. [<OF <L doctrina teaching <docere teach] Synonyms: article, belief, dogma, precept, principle, teaching, tenet. Doctrine primarily signifies that which is taught; principle, the fundamental basis on which the teaching rests. A doctrine is reasoned out, and may be defended by reasoning; a dogma rests on authority, as of the decision of the church, etc. A doctrine or dogma is a statement of some one item of belief; a creed is a summary of doctrines or dogmas. Dogma has commonly the signification of a belief arrogantly asserted. Tenet is simply that which is held, and is applied to a single item of belief. Compare FAITH, LAW.