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.
To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively. Get you to the church and shrive yourself. Beau & Fl.
To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession and absolution. Spenser.
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