Defn: 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.)
Defn: 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.
ABSOLUTISM
Ab"so*lu`tism, n.
1. The state of being absolute; the system or doctrine of the absolute; the principles or practice of absolute or arbitrary government; despotism. The element of absolutism and prelacy was controlling. Palfrey.
2. (Theol.)
Defn: Doctrine of absolute decrees. Ash.