catechism
A book, in question and answer form, summarizing the basic principles of Christianity.
Noun
- A book, in question and answer form, summarizing the basic principles of Christianity.
- A basic manual in some subject.
- A set of questions designed to determine knowledge.
- ...the walls were covered with paper, whose original colour and pattern had long since merged in a dingy brown; over this were hung up some unframed drawings, and some shelves on which were ranged all the old school...
- Inscrutable His ways are, and immune To catechism by a mind too strewn With petty cares to slightly understand What awful brain compels His awful hand. - 1925, Countee Cullen, Yet Do I Marvel:
- Miss Taylor kept by his side, and resumed her catechism. “Is it a long time since you saw your friend?” “Just over seven years.” - 1925, Agatha Christie, The Secret of Chimneys:
Origin
From Late Latin catechismus, from Ancient Greek *κατηχισμός (*katēkhismós), from κατηχίζω (katēkhízō, “to catechize”), a later extended form of κατηχέω (katēkhéō, “to catechize, instruct, teach by word of mouth”), from κατά (katá, “down”) + ἠχέω (ēkhéō, “to sound, resound”).
Forms
Related
catechesis catechetical catechist catechistic catechize catechumen