Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CAT'E-CHISE, v.t. [s as z. Gr. κατηχιζω and κατηχεω, to sound, to utter sound, to teach by the voice; from πατα, and ηχεω, to sound, whence echo. Hence κατηχησις, κατηχισμος, catechise, catechism, instruction.]

1. To instruct by asking questions, receiving answers, and offering explanations and corrections.
2. To question; to interrogate; to examine or try by questions, and sometimes with a view to reproof, by eliciting answers from a person, which condemn his own conduct.
3. Appropriately, to ask questions concerning the doctrines of the Christian religion; to interrogate pupils and give instruction in the principles of religion.