shrift

noun

ˈshrift How to pronounce shrift (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈsrift
1
archaic
a
: a remission of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation
b
: the act of shriving : confession
2
obsolete : confessional

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English scrift, from scrīfan to shrive — more at shrive

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrift was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing shrift

Rhymes for shrift

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Browse Nearby Words

shrieve
shrift
shriftfather
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Cite this Entry

“Shrift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrift. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Kids Definition

shrift

noun
ˈshrift How to pronounce shrift (audio)
archaic
: the confession of sins to a priest or the hearing of a confession by a priest
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