Shrive

Webster's Dictionary

(1): (v. i.) To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession and absolution.

(2): (v. t.) To confess, and receive absolution; - used reflexively.

(3): (v. t.) To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; - said of a priest as the agent.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Saxon, scrifan).

1. To absolve a penitent after private confession.

2. To take or receive a confession.

3. To enjoin or impose a penance after confession. The word is now nearly obsolete.