absolution

  1. Noun.  An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.
  2. Noun.  (context, Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
  3. Noun.  (context, Roman Catholic Church) The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven.
  4. Noun.  (ecclesiastical) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication.
  5. Noun.  The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
  6. Noun.  (obsolete) Delivery, in speech. - Ben Jonson.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.