absolution
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)
- the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penanceType of condition, status
- the act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penanceSynonyms: remissionremittalremission of sinType of redemption, salvationKinds indulgencePart of penance
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: 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.” James Anthony Froude
2. Civil law An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent. obsolete
3. Roman Catholic Church The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven.
☞ In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness.
4. Church An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, — for example, excommunication. Penny Cyclopædia
5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. Orby Shipley
6. Delivery, in speech. obsolete Ben Jonson
Absolution day Roman Catholic Church, Tuesday before Easter.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54