[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

absolution \ab`solu"tion\, n. f. absolution, l. absolutio, fr.
   absolvere to absolve. see absolve.
   1. an absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty;
      forgiveness of an offense. "government . . . granting
      absolution to the nation." --froude.
      1913 webster

   2. civil law an acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring
      and accused person innocent. obs.
      1913 webster

   3. r. c. ch. the exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the
      sacrament of penance, by which catholics believe the sins
      of the truly penitent are forgiven.
      1913 webster

   note: in the english and other protestant churches, this act
         regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting
         forgiveness.
         1913 webster

   4. eccl. an absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for
      example, excommunication. --p. cyc.
      1913 webster

   5. the form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
      --shipley.
      1913 webster

   6. delivery, in speech. obs. --b. jonson.
      1913 webster

   absolution day r. c. ch., tuesday before easter.
      1913 webster
see also:
absolve absolution day 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

absolution
     n 1: the condition of being formally forgiven by a priest in the
          sacrament of penance
     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
see also:
remission remittal remission of sin 

[3] : Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

34 moby thesaurus words for "absolution":
   acquittal, acquittance, amnesty, clearance, clearing, compurgation,
   condonation, destigmatization, destigmatizing, discharge,
   disculpation, dismissal, exculpation, excuse, exemption,
   exoneration, forgiveness, grace, immunity, indemnity, pardon,
   purgation, purging, quietus, quittance, redemption, release,
   remission, remission of sin, reprieve, shrift, sparing,
   verdict of acquittal, vindication

Absolution >> A Words
Absolution, definition of term: Absolution
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