SHRIVE

shrive. Shrive, v.i. shrove, pret. shrived, shriven, pa. to hear a confession, confess, reveal

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Shrive (?), v. t. [imp. Shrived (?) or Shrove (�); p. p. Shriven (?) or Shrived; p. pr. & vb. n. Shriving.] [[OE. shriven, schriven, AS. scrīvan to shrive, to impose penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skrīva to impose punishment; cf. OS. biskrīban to be troubled. Cf. Shrift, Shrovetide.]] 1. 1. To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; — said of a priest as the agent.
That they should shrive their parishioners. Piers Plowman. Doubtless he shrives this woman, . . . Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech. Shak. Till my guilty soul be shriven. Longfellow. 2. 2. To confess, and receive absolution; — used reflexively.
Get you to the church and shrive yourself. Beau. & Fl.