catechumen

American  

[kat-i-kyoo-muhn] / ˌkæt ɪˈkyu mən /

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.  a person under instruction in the rudiments of Christianity, as in the early church; a neophyte.

2. a person being taught the elementary facts, principles, etc., of any subject.

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catechumen British  

/ ˌkætɪˈkjuːmɛn, ˌkætəkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl /

noun

1. Christianity a person, esp in the early Church, undergoing instruction prior to baptism

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Other Word Forms

• catechumenal adjective
• catechumenate noun
• catechumenical adjective
• catechumenically adverb
• catechumenism noun

Etymology

Origin of catechumen

1325–75; < Late Latin catēchūmenus < Greek katēchoúmenos (one who is) being taught orally, equivalent to katēche-, stem of katēcheîn to teach orally ( catechist ) + -omenos middle present participle suffix; replacing Middle English cathecumyn < Middle French cathecumine < Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Since then, there has been constant flow of new inquirers and people preparing to be baptised, known as catechumens.

From BBC

Many catechumens this Easter were part of groups that were well over a dozen people, huddled together in large churches.

From New York Times

In the opinion of prominent theologians, a mere catechumen can, under certain circumstances, be a member of the Church.

From Project Gutenberg

The third or lowest triad is made up of monks, “initiated” and catechumens.

From Project Gutenberg

Canon 19 is a long one dealing with catechumens, preparation for baptism, administration of that sacrament, and of the eucharist for the newly baptized.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adherent
• apostle
• cohort
• devotee
• enthusiast
• fanatic
• learner
• pupil
• zealot