catechesis

[kat-i-kee-sis] /ˌkæt ɪˈki sɪs/

noun, plural catecheses

[kat-i-kee-seez] /ˌkæt ɪˈki siz/ (Show IPA)

oral religious instruction, formerly especially before baptism or confirmation.

Origin

1745-55; < Late Latin < Greek katḗchēsis oral teaching, equivalent to katēchē- (variant stem of katēcheîn to teach by word of mouth; see catechist) + -sis -sis

Examples from the web for catechesis

Typically, it is a lay minister trained in the art of catechesis.

Word Origin and History for catechesis

from Greek katekhesis "instruction by word of mouth," from katekhein "to instruct orally," originally "to resound" (with sense evolution via "to sound (something) in someone's ear; to teach by word of mouth." From kata- "down" (in this case, "thoroughly") + ekhein "to sound, ring," from ekhe "sound," from PIE *(s)wagh- "to resound" (see echo (n.)). Related: Catachectic; catachectical.