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.
Usage: -- {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.