Definition of: absolution

(ab′sə·l′shən) noun
1. An absolving, or a being absolved; forgiveness.
2. In the Roman Catholic Church, the act of a priest in pronouncing the remission of sin, its eternal punishment, or the canonical penalties attached to it; the act of releasing from censure without the sacrament of penance; or a solemn rite performed at the end of a requiem mass.
3. In other churches, the declaration or imploring of God's forgiveness by a priest or minister; also, the forgiveness itself. [<L absolutio, -onis <absolvere.
See ABSOLVE.]