1. to slit and tear off , (Plutarch)

2. Pass. of a river, περισχίζεσθαι τὸν χῶρον to split round a piece of land, i. e. split into two branches so as to surround it, (Herdotus Historicus);—;so, of a stream of men, to part and go different ways , (Plato Philosophus) (ML)