shrift

[shrift]

noun

Archaic.

1. the imposition of penance by a priest on a penitent after confession.

2. absolution or remission of sins granted after confession and penance.

3. confession to a priest.

shrift

/ ʃrɪft /

noun

1. archaic,  the act or an instance of shriving or being shriven See also short shrift

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrift¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English scrift penance; cognate with German, Dutch schrift writing; shrive, -th ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrift¹

Old English scrift, from Latin scriptum _script

Idioms and Phrases

see short shrift.

Example Sentences

Early surveys of opinion after the Budget give Reeves's plans short shrift.

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The EU were given short shrift by major producers.

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Smith’s activist career gets fairly short shrift in the movie, although it’s an important facet of her recent life.

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While Putin has condemned Soviet-era crimes, authorities typically downplay them and the victims of repression are often given short shrift in history textbooks.

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Such questions get distinctly short shrift in the dominant political narratives.

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Related Words

• absolution 
• atonement 
• contrition 
• forgiveness 
• penitence 
• remorse 
• repentance 
• retribution