2. (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring
and accused person innocent. [Obs.]
3. (R. C. Ch.) The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the
sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins
of the truly penitent are forgiven.
Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act
regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting
forgiveness.
4. (Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for
example, excommunication. --P. Cyc.
5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
--Shipley.
6. Delivery, in speech. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
{Absolution day} (R. C. Ch.), Tuesday before Easter.