Chapter Docetism to Dodecandria of D by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

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 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.

Document
(Doc"u*ment) n. [LL. documentum, fr. docere to teach: cf. F. document. See Docile.]

1. That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma. [Obs.]

Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.

I. Watts.

2. An example for instruction or warning. [Obs.]

They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others.

Sir W. Raleigh.

3. An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; — in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.

Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic.

Paley.

Document
(Doc"u*ment), v. t.

1. To teach; to school. [Obs.]

I am finely documented by my own daughter.

Dryden.

2. To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.

Documental
(Doc`u*men"tal) a.

1. Of or pertaining to instruction. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.

2. Of or pertaining to written evidence; documentary; as, documental testimony.