ppl. a. Also 7–9 confest. [f. CONFESS v. + -ED1.]

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  1.  Acknowledged as true; avowed, owned, admitted; evident, made manifest.

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1561.  T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., I. 23. The Prophet … taketh it for confessed truth.

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1643.  Milton, Divorce, Wks. 1738, I. 170. To … do a confest good work.

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1790.  Paley, Horæ Paul., I. 2. The design and composition of the letters are in general so confessed.

5

1808.  J. Barlow, Columb., III. 761. The prince confest to every warrior’s sight.

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1844.  Stanley, Arnold (1858), I. iv. 165. A confessed and unconquerable difficulty.

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  b.  To stand († appear) confessed: i.e., made known, revealed, open to recognition.

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1708.  Rowe, Royal Convert (T.). The perfidious author stands confest.

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a. 1763.  Shenstone, Elegies, VII. 17. Instant a grateful form appear’d confest.

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1866.  Motley, Dutch Rep., V. i. 655. Throwing off his disguise … the youthful paladin stood confessed.

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  2.  That has confessed his sins, shriven.

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c. 1450.  Merlin, i. 10. Yef he were confessed and repentant, and … he wolde resceyve penance … he sholde [haue] anoon forgevenesse.

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1812.  J. Brady, Clavis Cal. (1815), I. 210. One who looked like a confessed or shrived culprit.

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