Ab'so-lū'tion, n.

(-lū/shun), n. [Fr. absolution, Lat. absolutio. See ABSOLVE.]

1. (Civ. Law.) An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
2. (Rom. Cath. Church.) A remission of sin pronounced in favor of one who makes due confession thereof. Hook.

❧ In the English and other Protestant churches, this act is regarded as simply declaratory.

3. (Scot. Church.) A declaration of some judicatory, that a person is released from his liability to ecclesiastical punishment. P. Cyc.
4. The freedom with which words fall or are delivered in speech. [Obs.] B. Jonson.