Pronunciation: [ʃɹˈiːv] (IPA) 
The verb "shrieve" is not commonly used in modern English, but it typically means to hear confession and give absolution to a penitent. The word is spelled with the combination of 'sh' and 'ei', with the 'ei' representing the diphthong /eɪ/. The letter 'v' is often used in place of the letters 'ei', giving the alternative spelling of "shrive". The IPA transcription for "shrieve" is /ʃrɪv/.
Shrieve is a verb that typically means to administer the last rites or sacraments to a dying person, particularly in the context of the Christian faith. It involves offering prayers, confession, and anointing with holy oil to provide spiritual comfort and guidance as the individual approaches death. The term "shrieve" originates from the Middle English word "shrive," meaning to hear a confession and impose a penance.
In a broader sense, shrieve can also refer to the act of absolving or granting forgiveness to someone. It implies offering solace, pardoning guilt, and providing reassurance, often pertaining to religious or moral matters. It is related to the concept of atonement, offering redemption and peace through the act of forgiving.
However, in contemporary usage, shrieve is considered an archaic term and is rarely encountered. It is more commonly found in historical or religious contexts, specifically pertaining to the past administration of sacraments or spiritual guidance. Today, the task of administering spiritual consolation to the dying or granting forgiveness may be fulfilled by clergy, chaplains, or other religious figures, sometimes referred to as "shrievers."
The word "shrieve" has Middle English origins and its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "scrīfan" meaning "to prescribe or impose a penalty, to assign or allott". Over time, this word evolved and eventually gave rise to the Middle English term "shreve", which referred to a sheriff or a bailiff. The term "shrieve" later took on the meaning of a person who presided over a shire, which eventually led to its present-day usage as a verb meaning "to impose a penalty or charge".
