SHRIVE

PRONUNCIATION: (shryv)

MEANING: verb tr.: 1. To hear a confession.
2. To impose penance.
3. To free from guilt.
verb intr.: 1. To make a confession.
2. To hear a confession.

ETYMOLOGY: From Old English scrift (confession, penance), from scrifan (to shrive: to impose penance). Earliest documented use: before 1150.
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[also related to "shroud" and "getting short shrift" and "the whole nine yards" (or is that just Urban Legend?]
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SCRIVE - alt. form of "scribe," to write (see scrivener)

SH! RIVER! - Be quiet! We're getting close to the Potomac!

SHE RIVE - the strong lady is ripping mad