to instruct orally by means of questions and answers, esp. in Christian doctrine.
2.
to question with reference to belief.
3.
to question closely.
Also, especially British, cat⋅e⋅chise.
Origin: 1375–1425; late ME < LL catēchizāre < Gk katēchízein to make (someone) learn by teaching orally, equiv. to katēch(eîn) to teach orally (see catechist) + -izein-ize
c.1449, from L. catechizare, from Gk. katechizein "teach orally, instruct by word of mouth," from kata "thoroughly" + echein "to sound." Catechism "book of questions and answers about religion" is first attested 1509. Catechumen "new convert" is 15c.
[kat-i-kahyz] 
