Category:Shrive

Shrive, v. t. [imp. Shrived or shrove (p. p. Shriven or shrived; p. Pr. & vb. n. Shriving.] Etym: [oe. shriven, schriven, as. scrivan to Shrive, to impose penance or punishment; akin to ofries. skriva to Impose punishment; cf. Os. biskriban 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. That they should shrive their parishioners. Piers plowman. Doubtless he shrives this woman,. . . Else ne'er could he so long Protract his speech. Shak. Till my guilty soul be shriven. Longfellow.

2. To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively. Get you to the church and shrive yourself. Beau & fl.

Shrive Shrive, v. i.

Defn: to receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession And absolution. Spenser.