holy war: Meaning and Definition of

ho'ly war"

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. a war waged for what is supposed or proclaimed to be a holy purpose, as the defense of faith.
  2. any disagreement or argument between fanatical proponents of radically differing beliefs, opinions, etc.: a holy war on the merits of computer operating systems; a holy war about welfare reform.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.