1. To set free, or release, as from some obligation, debt, or responsibility, or from the consequences of guilt or such ties as it would be sin or guilt to violate; to pronounce free; as, to absolve a subject from his allegiance; to absolve an offender, which amounts to an acquittal and remission of his punishment.
[imp. & p. p. Absolved ( ); p. pr. & vb. n. Absolving.]
Halifax was absolved by a majority of fourteen. - Macaulay.
2. To free from a penalty; to pardon; to remit (a sin); - said of the sin or guilt.
In his name I absolve your perjury. - Gibbon.
3. To finish; to accomplish.
The work begun, how soon absolved. - Milton.
4. To resolve or explain.