Catechism
['kætɪkɪz(ə)m] or ['kætəkɪzəm]
Definition
(noun.) an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian religion; written as questions and answers.
(noun.) a series of question put to an individual (such as a political candidate) to elicit their views.
Edited by Adela--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) A form of instruction by means of questions and answers.
(n.) A book containing a summary of principles, especially of religious doctrine, reduced to the form of questions and answers.
Typist: Morton
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Erotetics, socratics, interrogation, creed, system, compendium
ANT:Reading, excogitation, elaboration
Checked by Claudia
Unserious Contents or Definition
To dream of the catechism, foretells that you will be offered a lucrative position, but the strictures will be such that you will be worried as to accepting it.
Typed by Betsy
Examples
- I was brought up in that catechism when I was very young, sir, as you are aware. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- I am just so near disgrace as that those who are put in authority over me (as the catechism goes) would far rather be without me than with me. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- He understands the catechism of his trade. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- They have their invisible popes, called Art, Nature, Science, with regalia and ritual and a catechism. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- How did Lightwood's catechism run? Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- His little catechism of curious inquiry was embraced in four small and intensely Anglo-Saxon words--with his usual pleasant smile he extended his hand and said: 'Did you get it? Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- We knew our catechism, and that was enough; we learned our creed and our duty. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Miss Ophelia busied herself very earnestly on Sundays, teaching Topsy the catechism. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- And this by way of teaching Henrique the first verse of a republican's catechism, 'All men are born free and equal! Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- However, as you know your Catechism fairly, so far, I'll let you off the rest. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- With that the catechism ended. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- He placed himself in front of Sergeant Cuff, and put his hands behind him, after the approved fashion of a neophyte who is examined in his catechism. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- Yes, verily, my lords and gentlemen and honourable boards, adapting your Catechism to the occasion, and by God's help so you must. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
Typist: Norton