shrieve

/ʃriv/
verb
  1. To hear the confession of, give absolution to, or impose a penance upon (a penitent); to confess one's sins to a priest.
    • She went to the cathedral to shrieve and receive forgiveness.
    • In medieval times, believers would shrieve their sins before Easter.
    • The priest was called to shrieve the dying man.
noun
  1. A sheriff (historical or poetic use).
    • The shrieve rode through the village with his deputies.
    • In old ballads, the shrieve was often a figure of authority.
    • The shrieve called the town council to order.
Synonyms
What does "shrieve" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean