catechumen
noun
cat·e·chu·men ˌka-tə-ˈkyü-mən 
1
: a convert to Christianity receiving training in doctrine and discipline before baptism
2
: one receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of Christianity before admission to communicant membership in a church
Word History
Etymology
Middle English cathecumyn, from Late Latin catechumenus, from Greek katēchoumenos, present passive participle of katēchein
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
catechumens
noun
as in newcomers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- newcomers
- recruits
- novices
- proselytes
- novitiates
- converts
- neophytes
- regenerates