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Webster 1913 Edition
Confessor
Con-fess′or
(?; 277)
, Noun.
[OF.
confessor
, F. confesseur
, fr. L. & LL. confessor
.] 1.
One who confesses; one who acknowledges a fault, or the truth of a charge, at the risk of suffering; specifically, one who confesses himself a follower of Christ and endures persecution for his faith.
He who dies for religion is a martyr; he who suffers for it is a
confessor
. Latham.
Our religion which hath been sealed with the blood of so many martyrs and
confessors
. Bacon.
2.
A priest who hears the confessions of others and is authorized to grant them absolution.
Webster 1828 Edition
Confessor
CONFESS'OR
,Noun.
1.
One who confesses; one who acknowledges his sins.2.
One who makes a profession of his faith in the Christian religion. The word is appropriately used to denote one who avows his religion in the face of danger, and adheres to it, in defiance of persecution and torture. It was formerly used as synonymous with martyr; afterwards it was applied to those who, having been persecuted and tormented, were permitted to die in peace. It was used also for such Christians as lived a good life, and died with the reputation of sanctity.3.
A priest; one who hears the confessions of others, and has power to grant them absolution.