[L. confiteor I confess, initial word of the formula.] A form of prayer, or confession of sins (Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, I confess to Almighty God, etc.) used in the Latin Church at the beginning of the mass, in the sacrament of penance, and on other occasions.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 16. Biuore þe confiteor hwon ȝe schulen beon ihuseled.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 28582 (Cott.). Thoru þe confiteor þat es wont to be said at þe messe.
a. 1467. Gregory, Chron., an. 1429 (Camd.), 167. Thenne he … layde hym downe prostrate, sayng there hys Confyteor, and alle the prelatys sayde Misereator.
1590. Armin, in C. S., Right Relig., A iiij b. The papist may well knocke himselfe on the brest, saying a Confiteor.
1820. Scott, Monast., xviii. Conditionally that you, brethren, say the Confiteor at curfew time.
1885. Arnold, Cath. Dict., 210. The present form of the Confiteor came into general use during the thirteenth century.
