1. a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for religious instruction.
▪ (in Roman Catholic use) religious instruction in general.
▪ a series of fixed questions, answers, or precepts used for instruction:"the preventive health catechism ‘more exercise, less tobacco and alcohol, and better diet’"
Word Originearly 16th century: from ecclesiastical Latin catechismus, from ecclesiastical Greek, from katēkhizein (see catechize).