definition of the word absolution

IPA: /,æbsə'lu:ʃən/, /æb.solˈu.ʃʌn/

• Rhymes: -uːʃən

12th Century French absolution, Latin absolutio (accusative absolūtiōnem) (acquittal), from absolvere to absolve. See absolve.

absolution (plural absolutions)

1. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.

   Quotations

   • Government ... granting absolution to the nation.

2. (Civil Law, obsolete) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
3. (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.

   Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness.

4. (ecclesiastical) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication.
5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
6. (obsolete) Delivery, in speech. - B. Jonson

• Absolution day (Roman Catholic Church): Tuesday before Easter.

Definition from Wiktionary Content avaible with GNU Free Documentation License

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