The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Catechism \Cat"e*chism\ (-k[i^]z'm), n. [L. catechismus, fr. Gr.
See Catechise.]
1. A form of instruction by means of questions and answers.
[1913 Webster]
2. A book containing a summary of principles, especially of
religious doctrine, reduced to the form of questions and
answers.
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The Jews, even till this day, have their catechisms.
--Hooker.
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The Larger Catechism, The Shorter Catechism. See
Westminster Assembly, under Assembly.
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