Shrift (noun)

1. The act of confessing one's sins to a priest in order to receive absolution.
2. A written or verbal confession of sins.
3. The act of confessing one's sins to God.

Origin:

The word "shrift" is a noun that refers to the act of confessing one"s sins to a priest in order to receive absolution. the word comes from the old english word "scrift", meaning a written confession, which in turn comes from the verb "scrīfan" meaning to write.

Examples:

1. He went to shrift to confess his sins.
2. The shrift was a private and personal affair.
3. The priest listened patiently as he gave his shrift.
4. He sought shrift for his sins before he passed away.
5. The act of shrift was to unburden oneself of guilt.