\Shrive\, v. t. [imp. {Shrived}or {Shrove}; p. p.
{Shriven}or {Shrived}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shriving}.] [OE.
shriven, schriven, AS. scr[=i]van to shrive, to impose
penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skr[=i]va to impose
punishment; cf. OS. biskr[=i]ban 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.

\Shrive\, v. i.
To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession
and absolution. --Spenser.