Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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}.

Source : WordNet®

catechism
     n 1: a series of question put to an individual (such as a
          political candidate) to elicit their views
     2: an elementary book summarizing the principles of a Christian
        religion; written as questions and answers