shrive

1. (religion, transitive and intransitive) To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.).Examples: "If he have the condition of a saint and the complexion of a devil, I had rather he should shrive me than wive me."; "Doubtless he shrives this woman, […] / Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech."intransitivetransitive

2. (transitive) To free from guilt, to absolve.Examples: "I will not madly deem that power Of Earth may shrive me of the sin Unearthly pride hath revell’d in— […]"; "My sins as scarlet are; let me go hence, / And in some cloister's school of penitence, / Across those stones, that pave the way to heaven, / Walk barefoot, till my guilty soul is shriven!"transitive

3. (religion, transitive) To prescribe penance or absolution.transitive

4. (religion, intransitive or reflexive) To confess, and receive absolution.Examples: "c. 1798-1845, unknown author, The Croppy Boy 'Twas a good thought, boy, to come here and shrive."intransitivereflexive