shrift

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

shrift
    n 1: the act of being shriven

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Shrift \Shrift\, n. [OE. shrift, schrift, AS. scrift, fr.
   scr[imac]fan to shrive. See {Shrive}.]
   1. The act of shriving.
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            In shrift and preaching is my diligence. --Chaucer.
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   2. Confession made to a priest, and the absolution consequent
      upon it. --Chaucer.
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            Have you got leave to go to shrift to-day? --Shak.
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            Therefore, my lord, address you to your shrift,
            And be yourself; for you must die this instant.
                                                  --Rowe.
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   {Shrift father}, a priest to whom confession is made.
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from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

24 Moby Thesaurus words for "shrift":
      absolution, acknowledgment, admission, amnesty, avowal, concession,
      confession, exculpation, excuse, exemption, exoneration, grace,
      immunity, indemnity, owning, owning up, pardon, redemption,
      remission, remission of sin, reprieve, rite of confession, sparing,
      unbosoming