catechumen

[kat-i-kyoo-muhn]

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.

catechumen

/ ˌkætɪˈkjuːmɛn, ˌkætəkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechumen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catechumen¹

C15: via Old French, from Late Latin, from Greek katēkhoumenos one being instructed verbally, from katēkhein; see _catechize

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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Related Words

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