absolution
- Noun. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.
- Noun. (context, Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
- 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.
- Noun. (ecclesiastical) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication.
- Noun. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
- 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.