shrive

Definition

To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.).

Etymology

From Middle English shryven, shriven, schrifen, from Old English sċrīfan (“1. to decree, pass judgement, prescribe, 3. (of a priest) to prescribe penance or absolution”), from Proto-West Germanic *skrīban, from late Proto-Germanic *skrībaną, a borrowing from Latin scrībō (“write”). Compare West Frisian skriuwe (“to write”), Low German schrieven (“to write”), Dutch schrijven (“to write”), German schreiben (“to write”), Danish skrive (“to write”), Swedish skriva (“to write”), Icelandic skrifa (“to write”). More at scribe and scribble.

Example Sentences

• "If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me."
• "Doubtless he shrives this woman, […] / Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech."
• "I will not madly deem that power Of Earth may shrive me of the sin Unearthly pride hath revell’d in— […]"

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