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.
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   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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