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.