In a Catholic, Episcopal, or Orthodox Church, the catechism is a series of questions and answers about religious beliefs, which has to be learned by people before they can become full members of that Church.
catechism in British English
(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
Derived forms
catechismal (ˌcateˈchismal)
adjective
Word origin
C16: from Late Latin catēchismus, ultimately from Greek katēkhizein to catechize
catechism in American English
(ˈkætəˌkɪzəm)
noun
1.
a handbook of questions and answers for teaching the principles of a religion
2.
any similar handbook for teaching the fundamentals of a subject
3.
a formal series of questions; close questioning
4. Obsolete
catechesis
Derived forms
catechismal (ˌcateˈchismal)
adjective
catechistic (ˌcateˈchistic) (ˈkætəˈkɪstɪk)
adjective or ˌcateˈchistical
Word origin
LL(Ec) catechismus < Gr katēchismos < katēchizein, to catechize < katēchein: see catechetical
Examples of 'catechism' in a sentence
catechism
When he visited, Guy sat on his knee which was not very comfortable and recited answers to catechism questions.
Haines, Pamela THE GOLDEN LION (2001)
When you looked at it in the catechism it said nearly everything was a sin bar biting your nails.
O'Connor, Joe DESPERADOES (2001)
Jennifer in turn adjusted her attitude and sat and listened as if she were attending a lesson in the Baltimore catechism.