Note: It was formerly customary in England, on this day, for the people to confess their sins to their parish priests, after which they dined on pancakes, or fritters, and the occasion became one of merriment. The bell rung on this day is popularly called Pancake Bell, and the day itself Pancake Tuesday. P. Cyc.
SHROVE
Shrove, v. i.
Defn: To join in the festivities of Shrovetide; hence, to make merry.
[Obs.] J. Fletcher.
SHROVETIDE Shrove"tide`, n. Etym: [From shrive to take a confession (OE. imp. shrof, AS. scraf) + tide.]
Defn: The days immediately preceding Ash Widnesday, especially the period between the evening before Quinguagesima Sunday and the morning of Ash Wednesday.
SHROVING
Shrov"ing, n.
Defn: The festivity of Shrovetide. [Obs.]
SHROW
Shrow, n.
Defn: A shrew. [Obs.] Shak.
SHROWD
Shrowd, v. t.