Absolution \Ab`so*lu"tion\, n. [F. absolution, L. absolutio, fr.
absolvere to absolve. See Absolve.]
1. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty;
forgiveness of an offense. "Government . . . granting
absolution to the nation." --Froude.
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2. (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring
and accused person innocent. [Obs.]
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3. (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.
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Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act
regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting
forgiveness.
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4. (Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for
example, excommunication. --P. Cyc.
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5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
--Shipley.
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6. Delivery, in speech. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
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Absolution day (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
absolution
n 1: the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the
sacrament of penance
2: the act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as
pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance [syn: remission,
remittal, remission of sin]
WordNet (r) 2.0
34 Moby Thesaurus words for "absolution":
acquittal, acquittance, amnesty, clearance, clearing, compurgation,
condonation, destigmatization, destigmatizing, discharge,
disculpation, dismissal, exculpation, excuse, exemption,
exoneration, forgiveness, grace, immunity, indemnity, pardon,
purgation, purging, quietus, quittance, redemption, release,
remission, remission of sin, reprieve, shrift, sparing,
verdict of acquittal, vindication
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
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