Absolution

1. Delivery, in speech.
2. The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven.
3. An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent.
4. An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.
5. An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication.
6. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.