Con-fĕs'sion, n.

(kon-fĕsh'un), n. [Lat. confessio.] 1. Acknowledgment or avowal in a matter pertaining to one's self; the admission of a debt, obligation, or crime. With a crafty madness keeps aloof, When we would bring him on to some confession Of his true state. Shak. With the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Rom. x. 10. 2. (Eccl.) The act of disclosing sins or faults to a priest. Auricular confession, as commonly called, or the private and special confession of sins to a priest for the purpose of obtaining his absolution, an imperative duty in the church of Rome, . . . was left to each man's discretion. Hallam. 3. A formulary in which the articles of faith are comprised; a creed to be assented to or signed, as a preliminary to admission into a church; a confession of faith.