1. (v. t.) To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; -- said of a priest as the agent.
2. (v. t.) To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.
3. (v. i.) To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession and absolution.
Thesaurus Entries
absolve, acquit, administer absolution, administer extreme unction, amnesty, clear, confess, decontaminate, destigmatize, discharge, dismiss, dispense from, exculpate, excuse, exempt, exempt from, exonerate, forgive, free, give absolution, grant amnesty to, grant forgiveness, grant immunity, grant remission, hear confession, justify, let go, let off, make confession, nonpros, pardon, purge, quash the charge, receive absolution, release, remit, set free, spare, vindicate, whitewash, withdraw the charge
