Catechism

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkætɪˌkɪzÉ™m/

Alternative forms

• categise eye dialect, archaic, rare

Origin

From Late Latin catechismus, from Ancient Greek *κατηχισμός ("katēkhismos"), from κατηχίζω (katēkhizō, "to catechize"), a later extended form of κατηχέω (katēkheō, "to catechize, instruct, teach by word of mouth"), from κατά (kata, "down") + ἠχέω (ēkheō, "to sound, to resound").

Full definition of catechism

Noun

1. A book, in question and answer form, summarizing the basic principles of Christianity.
2. A basic manual in some subject.
3. A set of questions designed to determine knowledge.
• 1925, Countee Cullen, Yet Do I MarvelInscrutable His ways are, and immuneTo catechism by a mind too strewnWith petty cares to slightly understandWhat awful brain compels His awful hand.

Related terms

• catechesis
• catechist
• catechistic
• catechize
• catechumen

Anagrams

• schematic