catechist
(ˈkætɪkɪst)
[ad. L. catēchista, ad. Gr. κατηχιστ-ής he who catechizes, f. κατηχίζ-ειν to catechize. In F. catéchiste.]
One whose duty is to catechize; a teacher of catechumens or in a catechetical school; a teacher appointed to give oral instruction in the elements of Christianity according to a catechism, or by question and answer; a native teacher in a mission church.
| a 1563 Becon New Catech. (1844) 9 The office of the catechist was not only to instruct and teach, but also to examine. 1597 Hooker Eccl. Pol. v. lxxviii. §10 Catechists, Exorcists, Readers, and Singers. 1673 Lady's Call. ii. 82, I do not say that the mistress should set up for a catechist or preacher. 1725 Berriman Hist. Acc. Trinity 77 Clemens was the celebrated Schoolmaster and Catechist of Alexandria. 1876 Davis Polaris Exp. ii. 54 In the absence of the regular clergyman the catechist conducts the worship. 1886 Pall Mall G. 27 Nov. 5/2 The native catechist who accompanied the Bishop on that final mission. |