adjective
- having been absolved of sins through confession and penance
Usage: archaic; religious
Examples
- The shriven penitent left the confessional with a lighter heart.
- In medieval times, pilgrims sought to be shriven before their journey.
- The dying man called for a priest so he could be shriven.
- She felt shriven after making her confession.
- The shriven soul was ready to face judgment.
- Only the shriven were permitted to receive communion.