ABSOLUTION • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Absolution

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/ˌæbsəlˈuʃən/ Listen

noun

Absolution n.

An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense. "Government... granting absolution to the nation."

(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. Note: 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.

The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.

Delivery, in speech. (Obs.)

Absolution day (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.

See images of 'Absolution'

Etymology of 'Absolution'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

Add this dictionary
to your browser search bar

"Absolution" Quotes from Famous Books

... want help," he returned, quietly. "But though it is not likely we shall meet again, believe me I shall always be glad to know you are well and happy. Let this painful conversation be the last we have on this subject. For my part, I grant you plenary absolution." ...

— A Crooked Path - A Novel • Mrs. Alexander

... the sea and began his pilgrimage, and went on south, and did not stop till he came to Rome. There he got so great honour that he took absolution from the Pope himself, and for that he gave ...

— The story of Burnt Njal - From the Icelandic of the Njals Saga • Anonymous

... done anybody any wrong! I am only a poor old chronicler! Let me not die without absolution, far from the ...

— The Man-Wolf and Other Tales • Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian

... the interjected scorn. "An infinity of absolution, for instance," he continued. "But as to this another world'—who's going to look for it and for the ...

— Tales Of Hearsay • Joseph Conrad

... see how terribly easy she is to those who outrage and crucify Him afresh! Perhaps it may not be true after all, as we used to think, that the Catholic priest actually gives leave to his penitents to commit sin; but the extraordinary ease with which absolution is given comes very nearly to the same thing. So far from this Church having elevated the human race, she has actually lowered its standards by her attitude towards those of her ...

— Paradoxes of Catholicism • Robert Hugh Benson

More quotes...