Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Syncretism \Syn"cre*tism\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to make two parties
join against a third: cf. F. syncr['e]tisme.]
1. Attempted union of principles or parties irreconcilably at
variance with each other.
[1913 Webster]
He is plotting a carnal syncretism, and attempting
the reconcilement of Christ and Belial. --Baxter.
[1913 Webster]
Syncretism is opposed to eclecticism in philosophy.
--Krauth-Fleming.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Philol.) The union or fusion into one of two or more
originally different inflectional forms, as of two cases.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
syncretism
n 1: the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of
thought or belief (especially in religion or
philosophy); "a syncretism of material and immaterial
theories"
2: the fusion of originally different inflected forms
(resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections)