doctrinal

a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

doctrine (ˈdɒktrɪn)

—n
1.	a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma
2.	a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated

[C14: from Old French, from Latin doctrīna teaching, from doctor see doctor]

doctrinal

—*adj*

doctrinality

—n

doc'trinally

—*adv*

'doctrinism

—n

'doctrinist

—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

doctrinal

1560s, from L.L. doctrinalis, from doctrina (see doctrine).

Example sentences

By refusing to endorse or use the language of counterinsurgency in the speech,

he escapes their doctrinal logic.

Watchtower doctrinal structure has had many flip-flops and back ups.

They will not win swing voters if they value doctrinal purity above all else.

We are ideological and doctrinal beings, coached into our moral views.

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Jansenism liberation theology remonstrant schism sect

Matching Quote

"Here, for example, are a few of the doctrinal parallels: Instead of God, the Communists believe in history as a final principle and omnipotent judge. They regard "the great task of making history" as the highest activity open to mankind; it is their equivalent for doing God's will on earth. To be cast "into the dustbin of history" is like being cast into hell. Instead of Divine Providence, the Communists believe in the Marxian dialectic as the principle that shapes our lives in society. Since the dialectic consists of three parts—thesis, antithesis, synthesis—it also bears some relation to the Christian Trinity; and it is the subject of quite as many learned disputations. Instead of Divine Grace, they believe in a spirit emanating from the working class; almost by magic it transforms one's doubts and weariness into renewed hope."

-Malcolm Cowley

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