Absolution
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance
(2) The condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance
WiktionaryText
Etymology
12th Century absolution < (accusative ), from . See absolve.
Noun
- An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.
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- Government ... granting absolution to the nation.
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- An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
- The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven.
- Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness.
- An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication.
- The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
- Delivery, in speech. - Ben Jonson