GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Shrive (?), v. t. [imp. Shrived (?) or Shrove (); p. p. Shriven (?) or Shrived; p. pr. & vb. n. Shriving.] [OE. shriven, schriven, AS. scrīvan to shrive, to impose penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skrīva to impose punishment; cf. OS. biskrīban 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.
   
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   That they should shrive their parishioners. Piers Plowman.
   
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   Doubtless he shrives this woman, . . .
   
   Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech. Shak.
   
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   Till my guilty soul be shriven. Longfellow.
   
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   2. To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.
   
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   Get you to the church and shrive yourself. Beau. & Fl.
   
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2.       
   Shrive, v. i. To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession and absolution.  Spenser.
   
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