shrove
/ʃɹəʊv/ · shrov
verb
- To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.) The priest will shrove the penitent's confession on Ash Wednesday.
- To prescribe penance or absolution. The bishop will shrove the congregation with a special blessing.
- To confess, and receive absolution. She will shrove her sins before the Easter vigil.
- To join in the festivities of Shrovetide. The family will shrove with pancakes and games on Shrove Tuesday.
- To make merry. The group will shrove the night away with music and dancing.
Did you know? The word 'shrove' is closely tied to the Christian tradition of Shrovetide, a period of feasting and merriment before the somber period of Lent. In some cultures, Shrove Tuesday is still celebrated with traditional foods like pancakes and waffles.