What is "shriving"

Shrive \Shrive\, v. t. [imp. Shrivedor Shrove; p. p. Shrivenor Shrived; p. pr. & vb. n. Shriving.] [OE. shriven, schriven, AS. scr[=i]van to shrive, to impose penance or punishment; akin to OFries. skr[=i]va to impose punishment; cf. OS. biskr[=i]ban to be troubled. Cf. Shrift, Shrovetide.]

1. To hear or receive the confession of; to administer confession and absolution to; -- said of a priest as the agent.

   That they should shrive their parishioners.
   --Piers Plowman.

   Doubtless he shrives this woman, . . . Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech.
   --Shak.

   Till my guilty soul be shriven.
   --Longfellow.

2. To confess, and receive absolution; -- used reflexively.

   Get you to the church and shrive yourself.
   --Beau. & Fl.

Shriving \Shriv"ing\, n. Shrift; confession.
--Spenser.

n. The hearing of a confession of sins. vb. (present participle of shrive English)

Shriving is the act of confessing sins, or of hearing a confession and prescribing penance, or granting absolution.