shrift

[ shrift ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. the imposition of penance by a priest on a penitent after confession.
2. absolution or remission of sins granted after confession and penance.
3. confession to a priest.

shrift

/ ʃrɪft /

noun

1. archaic.
   the act or an instance of shriving or being shriven See also short shrift

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrift¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English scrift penance; cognate with German, Dutch schrift writing; shrive, -th ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrift¹

Old English scrift, from Latin scriptum script

Idioms and Phrases

see short shrift .

Example Sentences

Even the tragic death of his son Rick, who died in a car accident in 1991, is given relatively short shrift.

From Los Angeles Times

“Glengarry” gets short shrift as well.

From Los Angeles Times

The squall over the past week about roles in government for Labour-affiliated figures is given short shrift by the prime minister’s supporters - as it was Sir Keir in the press conference following his speech - but it is a reminder that when you’re in government potentially damaging issues can fly out of the left-field.

From BBC

But DEI and other remedies have received short shrift.

From BBC

Among other things, he told the Wall Street Journal that James Madison has gotten “short shrift” amid the “Hamilton” theatrical phenomenon and that “whenever the Founders needed something important done, they turned to Madison—any important writing.”

From Slate

Related Words

• absolution
• atonement
• contrition
• forgiveness
• penitence
• remorse
• repentance
• retribution