n.
Pronunciation: k ə - ' thek-s ə s, ka-
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural ca · thex · es \ - ˌ s ē z \
Etymology: New Latin (intended as translation of German Besetzung ), from Greek kathexis holding, from katechein to hold fast, occupy, from kata- + echein to have, hold ― more at SCHEME
Date: 1922
: investment of mental or emotional energy in a person, object, or idea