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}.