cat·e·chism   (kāt'ĭ-kĭz'əm)    n.   A book giving a brief summary of the basic principles of Christianity in question-and-answer form. A manual giving basic instruction in a subject, usually by rote or repetition. A body of fundamental principles or beliefs, especially when accepted uncritically: "the core of the catechism of the antinuclear left, the notion that the threat to peace is technological, not political" (George F. Will). A close questioning or examination, as of a political figure. [French catechisme, from Old French, from Late Latin catēchismus, from Late Greek katēkhismos, from katēkhizein, to teach by word of mouth; see catechize.]

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.