Doctrine
Etymology
From Latin “doctrina” (teaching, instruction), from “docere” (to teach). It shares a root with “doctor” (originally a teacher), “document,” and “docile” (teachable). The word covers any taught body of principles, from religious teaching to a military or legal doctrine.
noun · /DOK-trin/
A body of teachings held and taught as true by a religion, school, or institution.
What it names
The official content of belief — what a group formally teaches, whether or not each member accepts it.
Example
The new manager treated the founder’s slide deck as doctrine, quoting it in meetings like scripture.
Related idea
Dogma is doctrine held as beyond question by legitimate authority; doctrine is the broader teaching, which can still be discussed and developed.