\Ab`so*lu"tion\, n. [F. absolution, L. absolutio, fr.
absolvere to absolve. See {Absolve}.]
1. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty;
   forgiveness of an offense. ``Government . . . granting
   absolution to the nation.'' --Froude.
2. (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring
   and accused person innocent. [Obs.]
3. (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.
4. (Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for
   example, excommunication. --P. Cyc.
5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
   --Shipley.
6. Delivery, in speech. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
{Absolution day} (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.