CATECHU

A Japanese word, signifying the juice of a tree. The extract of the Acacia catechu, an astringent substance,consisting of tan and extractive matter, imported chiefly from Bengal and Bombay. Its principal use is in medicine. CATECHUMEN. {Gr.xoiTyixovtJt'iyot.) Hewholeamg the elements of any science: one who is undergoing a course of religious instruction with a view to his admi ion into the church. The Christian society in the early ages was divided into two cla es, Fideles and Catechumen i; the former being those who had been admitted by baptism into the entire privileges of the church, the latter such as were preparing for that admi ion. [s. 214]