shriving

Verb

shrive (third-person singular simple present shrives, present participle shriving, simple past shrove or shrived, past participle shriven or shrived)

1. (intransitive, transitive) To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.).
   • If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me.c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
2. (transitive) To free from guilt, to absolve.
   • I will not madly deem that power
     Of Earth may shrive me of the sin
     Unearthly pride hath revell’d in— […]1829, Edgar Allan Poe, “Tamerlane”, in Al Aaraaf, Tamerlane and Minor Poems
3. (transitive) To prescribe penance or absolution.
4. (intransitive, reflexive) To confess, and receive absolution.
   • 'Twas a good thought, boy, to come here and shrive.c. 1798-1845, unknown author, The Croppy Boy

See all 5 meanings of shrive