Main Entry: cat·e·chu·men

Pronunciation: \ˌka-tə-ˈkyü-mən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English cathecumyn, from Late Latin catechumenus, from Greek katēchoumenos, present passive participle of katēchein

Date: 15th century

1 : a convert to Christianity receiving training in doctrine and discipline before baptism
2 : one receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of Christianity before admission to communicant membership in a church