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Webster 1913 Edition


Shrift

Shrift

,
Noun.
[OE.
shrift
,
schrift
, AS.
scrift
, fr.
scrīfan
to shrive. See
Shrive
.]
1.
The act of shriving.
In
shrift
and preaching is my diligence.
Chaucer.
2.
Confession made to a priest, and the absolution consequent upon it.
Chaucer.
Have you got leave to go to
shrift
to-day?
Shakespeare
Therefore, my lord, address you to your
shrift
,
And be yourself; for you must die this instant.
Rowe.
Shrift father
,
a priest to whom confession is made.

Webster 1828 Edition


Shrift

SHRIFT

,
Noun.
Confession made to a priest. Obs.

Definition 2024


shrift

shrift

English

Noun

shrift (plural shrifts)

  1. The act of going to or hearing a religious confession.
  2. Confession to a priest.
  3. (obsolete) Forgiveness given by a priest after confession; remission.
    • circa 1594 CE: William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
      (Friar:) Be plain, good son, and homely in thy drift. / Riddling confession finds but riddling shrift.

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