nonconformity

Refusal or failure to conform to accepted standards, conventions, rules, or laws.

An instance of this.

Refusal to accept or conform to the doctrines, usage, or polity of the Church of England.

An unconformity in which the underlying strata are composed of igneous or metamorphic rock and the overlying strata are composed of sedimentary rock.

Neglect or failure to conform, especially to some ecclesiastical law or requirement.

Specifically, in eccles. usage:

The refusal to conform to the rites, tenets, or polity of an established or state church, and especially of the Church of England.

The doctrines or usages of those English Protestants who do not conform to or unite with the Church of England.

Neglect or failure of conformity; especially, in England, the neglect or refusal to unite with the established church in its rites and modes of worship.