catechumen

noun

cat·​e·​chu·​men ˌka-tə-ˈkyü-mən How to pronounce catechumen (audio)
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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catechumen was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near catechumen

Cite this Entry

“Catechumen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catechumen. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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