What does "absolution" mean?
Absolution: (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent. [Obs.]
Additional senses
- 2.(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. Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness.
- 3.(Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication. P. Cyc.
- 4.The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. Shipley.
- 5.Delivery, in speech. [Obs.] B. Jonson. Absolution day (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00