A person who is being catechised; a student or person being instructed in religious doctrine through questions and answers.
From Greek 'katechizomenos' (one being taught) via Latin 'catechumenus.' The suffix '-ist' typically marks a person associated with the action, but here it indicates the recipient rather than the performer.
A catechist was formally recognized in early Christianity—they were candidates being trained through intensive question-and-answer sessions before joining the church community, sometimes taking months or years.
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