/ab'seuh looh"sheuhn/ , n.
1. act of absolving; a freeing from blame or guilt; release from consequences, obligations, or penalties.
2. state of being absolved.
3. Rom. Cath. Theol.
a. a remission of sin or of the punishment for sin, made by a priest in the sacrament of penance on the ground of authority received from Christ.
b. the formula declaring such remission.
4. Prot. Theol. a declaration or assurance of divine forgiveness to penitent believers, made after confession of sins.
[ 1175-1225; ME absolucion absolution- (s. of absolutio ) acquittal. See ABSOLUTE, -ION ]