shrive

[ shrahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, shrove or shrived, shriv·en or shrived, shriv·ing.

1. to impose penance on (a sinner).
2. to grant absolution to (a penitent).
3. to hear the confession of (a person).

verb (used without object)

, Archaic.

, shrove or shrived, shriv·en or shrived, shriv·ing.

1. to hear confessions.
2. to go to or make confession; confess one's sins, as to a priest.

shrive

/ ʃraɪv /

verb

1. to hear the confession of (a penitent)
2. tr to impose a penance upon (a penitent) and grant him sacramental absolution
3. intr to confess one's sins to a priest in order to obtain sacramental forgiveness

Derived Forms

• ˈshriver, noun

Other Words From

• un·shrived adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrive¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English shriven, schrifen, Old English scrīfan “to prescribe, impose a penance on (a penitent),” cognate with German schreiben “to write,” ultimately from Latin scrībere “to write, draw”; scribe ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrive¹

Old English scrīfan, from Latin scrībere to write

Example Sentences

Two Dominicans, sent for to shrive the victim, implored the Count to pause; but 'Kill him, kill him!

From Project Gutenberg

"It is not given a priest of God to shrive an unrepentant harlot," was his impetuous answer.

From Project Gutenberg

The lawyers came and took her depositions; the priests, also, to shrive her soul.

From Project Gutenberg

At last Don John received his marching orders, and after that, it was but a short shrive that the Moriscos had to expect.

From Project Gutenberg

"If it might be permitted I would dearly love to shrive them," said the palmer, still hesitating.

From Project Gutenberg