Transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
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; ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
alt. The transformation of a society from close identification with religious values and institutions toward non-religious (or "irreligious") values and secular institutions. n. The transformation of a society from close identification with religious values ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. 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 ] transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession [syn: secularisation ]

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Secularization is the transformation of a society from close identification with religious values and institutions toward nonreligious values and secular institutions. The secularization thesis refers to the belief that as societies progress, particularly ...

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1706, "conversion to secular purposes," in reference to Church property; see secularize + -ation . General use by 1863.