vbl. sb. The action of the vb. CATECHIZE: a. in religion.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., IV. xix. (1634), 720. A Catechising, whereby children or they that were neere to the age of discretion did declare an account of their faith before the Church.
a. 1623. W. Pemble, Wks. (1635), Pref. 6.
1645. Featly, Dippers Dipt, 36 (L.). Originally and properly, Catechizing, or such a kinde of Teaching wherein the principles of Religion, or of any Art or Science, are often inculcated, and by continuall sounding and resounding beat into the ears of children or novices.
a. 1694. Tillotson, Serm. (1696), I. lii. 635 (R.). That particular way of Instruction … called Catechising.
1782. Priestley, Nat. & Rev. Relig., I. Pref. 24.
1858. F. Paget, Parish & Priest, 74. The mere propounding a string of questions is not catechizing. Any fool can ask questions.
b. generally, Examination by questioning.
1599. Shaks., Much Ado, IV. i. 79. What kinde of catechizing call you this! To make you answer truly to your name.
1825. Blackw. Mag., in Byron’s Wks. (1846), 582/2. We should like to have the catechising of the … man.
1880. Fowler, Locke, i. 8. The professorial lecture, however learned, or the tutorial catechizing, however searching.
c. attrib. or ? ppl. a.
1581. J. Fielde (title), Exposition of the Symbols … gathered out of the catechising Sermons of G. O. Treuir.
c. 1590. Marlowe, Jew Malta, II. ii. As it were in catechising sort, To make me mindful of my mortal sins.
1615. J. Wright, Acc. Lady J. Gray, in Phenix (1708), II. 39. This catechising Argument between the Lady Jane and Mr. Feckenham.
