Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Absolution \Ab`so*lu"tion\, n. [F. absolution, L. absolutio, fr.
   absolvere to absolve. See {Absolve}.]
   1. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty;
      forgiveness of an offense. ``Government . . . granting
      absolution to the nation.'' --Froude.

   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.