The word "shrift" is spelled S-H-R-I-F-T and has three consonant sounds and one vowel sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "shrift" is /ʃrɪft/. This word is a noun that refers to the confession of sins, especially in the context of religious observance. Although it is not commonly used in everyday language, "shrift" has a rich history and is still sometimes employed in literature and poetry to evoke a sense of solemnity or introspection.
Shrift is a noun that refers to the act of confessing one's sins to a priest or religious authority. It also encompasses the subsequent absolution or forgiveness of those sins. In religious contexts, it can also be known as the sacrament of confession or reconciliation.
Derived from the Old English word 'scrift', meaning 'confession', shrift carries historical and cultural significance. The term is associated primarily with the Christian faith, particularly within Catholicism and Anglicanism, where confession is considered an integral part of the spiritual journey towards redemption.
A traditional confession ritual involves a penitent openly admitting their sins to a priest, who then provides spiritual counsel and guidance. The priest may also impose a suitable penance to atone for the sins committed. The process of shrift aims to recognize one's transgressions, seek forgiveness, and find solace in the mercy and grace of God. It serves as a ritualized method of acknowledging personal shortcomings and striving for moral improvement.
Shrift is not limited to the realm of religion alone. It can also signify an act of introspection, self-reflection, or the endeavor to make amends in a broader context. It suggests a conscious effort to address and rectify past wrongdoings or offenses, seeking resolution and absolution.
Overall, shrift encompasses the act of confessing one's sins, seeking forgiveness, and embarking on a path of redemption or moral growth, either within a religious framework or as a broader embrace of personal accountability.
• See shrive.
• Confession made to a priest, generally applied to the confession of a dying person.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "shrift" has Middle English origins and its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "scrift" or "scryft". This Old English term was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "skriftiz", which later evolved into "schrift" in Old High German and "skrift" in Old Norse. Ultimately, these early Germanic terms can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *"sker-" meaning "to cut" or "to incise". In the context of "shrift", it refers to the cutting away or confession of sins during the sacrament of confession in Christianity.