Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SKEP'TI-CISM, n. [Fr. scepticisme.]

1. The doctrines and opinions of the Pyrrhonists or skeptical philosophers; universal doubt; the scheme of philosophy which denies the certainty of any knowledge respecting the phenomena of nature.
2. In theology, a doubting of the truth of revelation, or a denial of the divine origin of the Christian religion, or of the being, perfections or truth of God. Irreligious skepticism or atheistic profaneness. – Milner. Let no despondency or timidity or secret skepticism lead any one to doubt whether this blessed prospect will be realized. – S. Miller.