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.

2. A book containing a summary of principles, especially of religious doctrine, reduced to the form of questions and answers.

The Jews, even till this day, have their catechisms. --Hooker.

The Larger Catechism, The Shorter Catechism. See Westminster Assembly, under Assembly.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)