Definitions

1. verb

to confess or acknowledge one’s sins to a priest or other authorized person, especially in order to receive absolution.

“The penitent went to the priest to shrive for his past mistakes.”

2. verb

to free someone from a burden or responsibility.

“The judge tried to shrive the defendant of the weighty charges against him.”

3. noun

a person authorized to receive confession and offer absolution, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.

“The priest acted as a shrive to the congregation during the mass.”