shrive

shrive
    v 1: grant remission of a sin to; "The priest absolved him and
         told him to say ten Hail Mary's" [syn: {shrive}, {absolve}]
    

Shrive \Shrive\, v. t. [imp. {Shrived}or {Shrove}; p. p.
   {Shriven}or {Shrived}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shriving}.] [OE.
   shriven, schriven, AS. scr[imac]van to shrive, to impose
   penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skr[imac]va to impose
   punishment; cf. OS. biskr[imac]ban 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.
      [1913 Webster]

            That they should shrive their parishioners. --Piers
                                                  Plowman.
      [1913 Webster]

            Doubtless he shrives this woman, . . .
            Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech.
                                                  --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Till my guilty soul be shriven.       --Longfellow.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.
      [1913 Webster]

            Get you to the church and shrive yourself. --Beau. &
                                                  Fl.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Shrive \Shrive\, v. i.
   To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession
   and absolution. --Spenser.
   [1913 Webster]
    

41 Moby Thesaurus words for "shrive":
      absolve, acquit, administer absolution, administer extreme unction,
      amnesty, clear, confess, decontaminate, destigmatize, discharge,
      dismiss, dispense from, exculpate, excuse, exempt, exempt from,
      exonerate, forgive, free, give absolution, grant amnesty to,
      grant forgiveness, grant immunity, grant remission,
      hear confession, justify, let go, let off, make confession,
      nonpros, pardon, purge, quash the charge, receive absolution,
      release, remit, set free, spare, vindicate, whitewash,
      withdraw the charge