[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 Gaz., 27 Nov., 5/2. The native catechist who accompanied the Bishop on that final mission.
