Secularization

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Secularization \Sec`u*lar*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F.
     s['e]cularisation.]
     The act of rendering secular, or the state of being rendered
     secular; conversion from regular or monastic to secular;
     conversion from religious to lay or secular possession and
     uses; as, the secularization of church property.


     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  secularization
       n 1: the activity of changing something (art or education or
            society or morality etc.) so it is no longer under the
            control or influence of religion [syn: {secularisation}]
       2: transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession
          [syn: {secularisation}]