An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense. Froude. [1913 Webster]
An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent. [1913 Webster]
The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven. [1913 Webster]
" In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness." [1913 Webster]
An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication. P. Cyc. [1913 Webster]
The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. Shipley. [1913 Webster]
Delivery, in speech. B. Jonson. [1913 Webster]

Absolution day (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

Absolution, n.
1 a formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
2 an ecclesiastical declaration of forgiveness of sins.
3 a remission of penance.
4 forgiveness.

Etymology

ME f. OF f. L absolutio -onis (as ABSOLVE)

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THESAURUS

Absolution

acquittal, acquittance, amnesty, clearance, clearing, compurgation, condonation, destigmatization, destigmatizing, discharge, disculpation, dismissal, exculpation, excuse, exemption, exoneration, forgiveness, grace, immunity, indemnity, pardon, purgation, purging, quietus, quittance, redemption, release, remission, remission of sin, reprieve, shrift, sparing, verdict of acquittal, vindication

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ROGET THESAURUS

Absolution

Liberation

N liberation, disengagement, release, enlargement, emancipation, disenthrallment, disenthralment, affranchisement, enfranchisement, manumission, discharge, dismissal, deliverance, redemption, extrication, acquittance, absolution, acquittal, escape, liberated, out of harness, Int, unhand me!, let me go!.

Acquittal

N acquittal, acquitment, clearance, exculpation, acquittance, clearance, exoneration, discharge, quietus, absolution, compurgation, reprieve, respite, pardon, impunity, diplomatic immunity, immunity, plea bargain, deal with the prosecutor, no cause for action, no damages, acquitted, uncondemned, unpunished, unchastised, not guilty, not proven, not liable, nemo bis punitur pro codem delicto.

Forgiveness

N forgiveness, pardon, condonation, grace, remission, absolution, amnesty, oblivion, indulgence, reprieve, conciliation, reconcilement, reconciliation, propitiation, excuse, exoneration, quittance, release, indemnity, bill of indemnity, act of indemnity, covenant of indemnity, deed of indemnity, exculpation, longanimity, placability, amantium irae, locus paenitentiae, forbearance, forgiving, placable, conciliatory, forgiven, unresented, unavenged, unrevenged, cry you mercy, veniam petimusque damusque vicissim, more in sorrow than in anger, comprendre tout c'est tout pardonner, the offender never pardons.

Exemption

N exemption, absence, exception, immunity, privilege, release, exempt from, devoid of, without, unpossessed of, unblest with, immune from, not having, unpossessed, untenanted, without an owner, unobtained, unacquired, exemption, freedom, irresponsibility, immunity, liberty, license, release, exoneration, excuse, dispensation, absolution, franchise, renunciation, discharge, exculpation, exempt, free, immune, at liberty, scot-free, released, unbound, unencumbered, irresponsible, unaccountable, not answerable, excusable, bonis nocet quisquis pepercerit malis.

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