Shrive \Shrive\, v. t. [imp. Shrivedor Shrove; p. p. Shrivenor 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Shrove \Shrove\, imp. of Shrive.

Shrove Sunday, Quinguagesima Sunday.

Shrove Tuesday, the Tuesday following Quinguagesima Sunday, and preceding the first day of Lent, or Ash Wednesday.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Shrove \Shrove\, v. i. To join in the festivities of Shrovetide; hence, to make merry. [Obs.]

--J. Fletcher.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)