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View synonyms for short shrift

short shrift

noun

  1. little attention or consideration in dealing with a person or matter.

    She'll give short shrift to such a weak argument.

  2. a brief time for confession or absolution given to a condemned prisoner before their execution.



short shrift

noun

  1. brief and unsympathetic treatment

  2. (formerly) a brief period allowed to a condemned prisoner to make confession

  3. to dispose of quickly and unsympathetically

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of short shrift1

First recorded in 1585–95

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