The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Absolution \Ab`so*lu"tion\, n. [F. absolution, L. absolutio, fr.
   absolvere to absolve. See Absolve.]
   1. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty;
      forgiveness of an offense. "Government . . . granting
      absolution to the nation." --Froude.
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   2. (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring
      and accused person innocent. [Obs.]
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   3. (R. C. Ch.) The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the
      sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins
      of the truly penitent are forgiven.
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   Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act
         regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting
         forgiveness.
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   4. (Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for
      example, excommunication. --P. Cyc.
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   5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
      --Shipley.
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   6. Delivery, in speech. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
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   Absolution day (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.
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