Definition of "scholasticism" [scho•las•ti•cism]

• The dominant western Christian theological and philosophical school of the Middle Ages, based on the authority of the Latin Fathers and of Aristotle and his commentators. (noun)
• Close adherence to the methods, traditions, and teachings of a sect or school. (noun)
• Scholarly conservatism or pedantry. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "For instance, the word scholasticism, he thinks it might be a good idea to “look up” since he drops it into many conversations with students and faculty alike."
• "Beginning in Italy during the early Renaissance and working its way north, it was a reaction to the dominant philosophical school of the Middle Ages, known as scholasticism, which reinforced the absolute and universal authority of the Catholic Church."
• "Another big issue is the idea of scholasticism v. spirituality in the medieval period."