Shrive (?), v. t. [imp.Shrived (?) or Shrove (�); p. p.Shriven (?) or Shrived; p. pr. & vb. n.Shriving.] [OE. shriven, schriven, AS. scrīvan to shrive, to impose penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skrīva to impose punishment; cf. OS. biskrīban to be troubled. Cf. Shrift, Shrovetide.] 1. To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; — said of a priest as the agent.
That they should shrive their parishioners. Piers Plowman.
Doubtless he shrives this woman,...
Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech. Shak.
Till my guilty soul be shriven. Longfellow.
2. To confess, and receive absolution; — used reflexively.
Get you to the church and shrive yourself. Beau. & Fl.