absolution Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance
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noun the act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance
remittal; remission of sin; remission.
WordNet
Ab`so*lu"tion noun
Etymology
F.Definitions
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An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense. "Government . . . granting absolution to the nation." Froude. -
(Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent. Obs. -
(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. ✍ In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness. -
(Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication. P. Cyc. -
The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. Shipley. -
Delivery, in speech. Obs. B. Jonson.