Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shrive \Shrive\, v. i.
   To receive confessions, as a priest; to administer confession
   and absolution. --Spenser.

Shrive \Shrive\, v. t. [imp. {Shrived}or {Shrove}; p. p.
   {Shriven}or {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.

Source : WordNet®

shrive
     v : confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under
         pressure [syn: {confess}, {squeal}]
     [also: {shrove}, {shriven}]