Shrift

1. (n.) The act of shriving.

2. (n.) Confession made to a priest, and the absolution consequent upon it.

Thesaurus Entries

absolution, acknowledgment, admission, amnesty, avowal, concession, confession, exculpation, excuse, exemption, exoneration, grace, immunity, indemnity, owning, owning up, pardon, redemption, remission, remission of sin, reprieve, rite of confession, sparing, unbosoming