Shriving

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Shrive \Shrive\, v. t. [imp. {Shrived}or {Shrove}; p. p.
     {Shriven}or {Shrived}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shriving}.] [OE.
     shriven, schriven, AS. scr[imac]van to shrive, to impose
     penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skr[imac]va to impose
     punishment; cf. OS. biskr[imac]ban to be troubled. Cf.
     {Shrift}, {Shrovetide}.]


     1. To hear or receive the confession of; to administer
        confession and absolution to; -- said of a priest as the
        agent.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              That they should shrive their parishioners. --Piers
                                                    Plowman.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Doubtless he shrives this woman, . . .
              Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech.
                                                    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Till my guilty soul be shriven.       --Longfellow.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Get you to the church and shrive yourself. --Beau. &
                                                    Fl.
        [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Shriving \Shriv"ing\, n.
     Shrift; confession. --Spenser.
     [1913 Webster]