The word 'shrift' is found in very old form of English and the word is used as a noun. The meaning this noun conveys is that of the imposition of penance usually done by a priest. The imposition is done usually on a penitent after the confession. The word can also be used for the phenomenon of absolution of sins that is granted after penance and confession.
The word can trace its origin in the Middle English where the original word was 'scrift' and the era when the word was used was about 900 AD.
Though you will seldom find the use of the word independently but the idiom 'get short shrift' is very popular and it conveys the idea of giving some person minimal or very little attention.
The word can trace its origin in the Middle English where the original word was 'scrift' and the era when the word was used was about 900 AD.
Though you will seldom find the use of the word independently but the idiom 'get short shrift' is very popular and it conveys the idea of giving some person minimal or very little attention.