I. -shən ə l, -shnəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: French confessionnal, from New Latin confessionale, from neuter of (assumed) New Latin confessionalis of confession, from Latin confession-, confessio confession + -alis -al
1.
a. : the recess, seat, or enclosed place where a priest sits to hear confessions
b. : the act or practice of confessing to a priest
2.
[French confessionnal, modification (probably influenced by French confessionnal place where a priest sits to hear confessions) of Late Latin confession-, confessio tomb of a martyr]
: confession 8
3. usually capitalized
[ confessional (II) ]
: a member of a confessional church
II. adjective
Etymology: confession + -al
1. : of, relating to, or being a confession especially of faith
a confessional statement
2. : adhering to, established on, or defined by a confession of faith
creedal or confessional orthodoxy
confessional boundaries
: associated with a confession : denominational
confessional schools
a confessional political party
III. adjective
: of, relating to, or being intimately autobiographical writing or fiction
confessional books
confessional journalism