reformation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)An improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices, etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social, political or religious affairs or in the conduct of persons or operation of organizations.

   “[…] olde men long nusled in corruption, scorning them that would seeke reformation […]”

   “And like bright metal on a sullen ground, My reformation, glittering o'er my fault, Shall show more goodly, and attract more eyes Than that which hath no foil to set it off.”

   “It is good also, not to try experiments in states, except the necessity be urgent, or the utility evident; and well to beware, that it be the reformation, that draweth on the change, and not the desire of change, that pretendeth the reformation.”

   “[…] satire lashes vice into reformation, and humour represents folly so as to render it ridiculous.”

2. (countable, uncountable)Change or correction, by a court in equity, to a written instrument to conform to the original intention of the parties.
3. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of re-formation.

name

1. (historical)The religious movement initiated in the 16th century against the Roman Catholic Church, leading to more than a century of internecine conflict that ended with a durable division between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.