from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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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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