01 v. t. To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; -- said of a priest as the agent.
imp.
Shrived; p. p.
Shriven; p. pr. & vb. n.
Shriving
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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.
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2.
To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.“Get you to the church and shrive yourself.” — Beau. & Fl.