noun.
The act of seceding or withdrawing; withdrawal; retirement; seclusion; detachment; separation.
noun.
Specifically, the act of seceding or withdrawing from a religious or political organization or association; formal withdrawal.
noun.
In Scottish eccles. hist., the separation from the Established Church of Scotland which originated in 1733; hence, the whole body of the members of the Secession Church (which see, below).
noun.
In United States history, the attempted withdrawal, in 1860–61, of eleven States from the Union. See Confederate States, under confederate.