NOUN (2)

1. a series of question put to an individual (such as a political candidate) to elicit their views;

2. an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian religion; written as questions and answers;

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.
      [1913 Webster]

            The Jews, even till this day, have their catechisms.
                                                  --Hooker.
      [1913 Webster]

   The Larger Catechism, The Shorter Catechism. See
      Westminster Assembly, under Assembly.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

catechism
    n 1: a series of question put to an individual (such as a
         political candidate) to elicit their views
    2: an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian
       religion; written as questions and answers