Dictionary entry

Apostasy

Webster's Dictionary 1913

A‐pos″ta‐sy (�), n.; pl.Apostasies (�). [OE. apostasie, F. apostasie, L. apostasia, fr. Gr. � a standing off from, a defection, fr. � to stand off, revolt; � from + � to stand. See Off and Stand.] An abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total desertion of departure from one's faith, principles, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as, Julian's apostasy from Christianity.