Doc"trine (dŏk"trĭn), n.
[F. doctrine, L. doctrina, fr. doctor. See
Doctor.] 1. Teaching;
instruction.
He taught them many things by parables, and said unto
them in his doctrine, Hearken.
Mark iv.
2.
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." I. Watts.
Articles of faith and doctrine.
Hooker.
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.
Syn. -- 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.
Goldsmith.