Shrive (?), v. t. [imp. Shrived (?) or Shrove (); p. p. Shriven (?) or Shrived; p. pr. & vb. n. Shriving.] [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.

 

© Webster 1913.


Shrive, v. i.

To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession and absolution.

Spenser.

 

© Webster 1913.

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