Ab`so*lu"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.

2. (Civil Law) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring and accused person innocent. [Obs.]

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.

&fist; In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness.

4. (Eccl.) An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication. P. Cyc.

5. The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. Shipley.

6. Delivery, in speech. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

• An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.
       Quotations
       *Government ... granting absolution to the nation. - Froude
  
• (Civil Law, obsolete): An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
  
• (Roman Catholic Church): The exercise of priestly jurisdiction in the sacrament of penance, by which Catholics believe the sins of the truly penitent are forgiven.
       Note: In the English and other Protestant churches, this act regarded as simply declaratory, not as imparting forgiveness.
  
• (Ecclesiastical): An absolving from ecclesiastical penalties, -- for example, excommunication. - P. Cyc
  
• The form of words by which a penitent is absolved. - Shipley
  
• (Obsolete): Delivery, in speech. - B. Jonson