Confessorship

/kənˈfɛsərʃɪp/ noun

Definition

The position, office, or role of being a confessor; the duties and responsibilities associated with hearing confessions.

Etymology

From confessor + -ship (Old English suffix denoting a state, condition, or office). The -ship suffix creates abstract nouns: kingship, friendship, membership, citizenship.

Kelly Says

Confessorship was actually a specialized career requiring training—there were whole schools and training systems for developing confessors who had to learn theology, psychology, canon law, and rhetoric to do the job well.

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