Plural of absolution; formal forgiveness of sins granted by a religious authority, or release from blame or responsibility.
From Latin absolutio (from absolvere 'to set free, acquit'), which comes from ab- (away) + solvere (to loosen). The meaning evolved from legal/physical release to religious and moral forgiveness.
In medieval times, the Catholic Church actually *sold* absolutions to people—promising forgiveness for money! This sparked massive outrage and was one of the main reasons for the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s.
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