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You are here: Home / Language / Why is An Unfair Judgement Called a “Short Shrift” and Where Did the Expression Come From?

Why is An Unfair Judgement Called a “Short Shrift” and Where Did the Expression Come From?

March 7, 2020 by Karen Hill

Shrift is an ancient word and comes from the act of shriving, which is the confessional process conducted by a priest.

In his pursuit of forgiveness, a confessor seeks absolution for the sins of his soul through a process of penance administered by the priest.

A short shrift refers to the brief time allowed with a priest to a condemned convict just before his execution.

When someone receives an unfair judgment we say they’ve been given a “short shrift”.

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Filed Under: Language

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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