shrove

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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Shrove \Shrove\, v. i.
   To join in the festivities of Shrovetide; hence, to make
   merry. [Obs.] --J. Fletcher.
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Shrove \Shrove\,
   imp. of {Shrive}.
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   {Shrove Sunday}, Quinguagesima Sunday.

   {Shrove Tuesday}, the Tuesday following Quinguagesima Sunday,
      and preceding the first day of Lent, or Ash Wednesday.

   Note: It was formerly customary in England, on this day, for
         the people to confess their sins to their parish
         priests, after which they dined on pancakes, or
         fritters, and the occasion became one of merriment. The
         bell rung on this day is popularly called Pancake Bell,
         and the day itself Pancake Tuesday. --P. Cyc.
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