catechism

[ kat-i-kiz-uh m ]
/ ˈkæt ɪˌkɪz əm /

noun

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.
a similar book of instruction in other subjects.
a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.
catechetical instruction.

Origin of catechism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM catechism

cat·e·chis·mal, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH catechism

cataclysm catechism

British Dictionary definitions for catechism

catechism
/ (ˈkætɪˌkɪzəm) /

noun

instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church
rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview

Derived forms of catechism

catechismal, adjective

Word Origin for catechism

C16: from Late Latin catēchismus, ultimately from Greek katēkhizein to catechize