Monday-ish word: shrift

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

shrift (shrift), noun

1. Penance by a priest
2. Confessions to a priest

Archaic; I think I've only heard the word in relation to "shriven" (absolved by a priest), or in the phrase "short shrift" (little attention).

Etymology: Old English scrift, penance.

Comments

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

"short shrift" (little attention) - this is how I am familiar with it as well. I had no idea, nor had considered, its origin - well done!

[med_cat]

Thanks for the definition :)

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Those are the only two ways I've seen it used, too.