1. the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance • Derivationally related forms: absolve • Hypernyms: condition, status 2. the act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance • Syn: remission, remittal, remission of sin • Derivationally related forms: absolve • Hypernyms: redemption, salvation • Hyponyms: indulgence • Part Holonyms: penance