catechism

American  

[kat-i-kiz-uhm] / ˈkæt ɪˌkɪz əm /

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.

   2. the contents of such a book.

2. a similar book of instruction in other subjects.

3. a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.

4. catechetical instruction.

---

catechism British  

/ ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm /

noun

1. instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church

2. rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview

---

Other Word Forms

• catechismal adjective

Etymology

Origin of catechism

1495–1505; < Late Latin catēchismus apparently equivalent to catēch ( izāre ) to catechize + -ismus -ism