- Shriven
- Shrive Shrive, v. t. [imp. {Shrived}or {Shrove}; p. p.
{Shriven}or {Shrived}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shriving}.] [OE.
shriven, schriven, AS. scr[=i]van to shrive, to impose
penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skr[=i]va to impose
punishment; cf. OS. biskr[=i]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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.