Romeo and Juliet 1.1 Word Nerd: "shrift"

The transcript explains the historical evolution of the words 'shrive' and 'shrift'. Initially, 'shrive' meant to write, and 'shrift' referred to what was written down, primarily by priests in the Middle Ages. Over time, 'shrift' came to mean the list of penitences given by priests and later the act of confession itself. Montague uses 'shrift' in a broader sense to mean revealing secrets, as he wants Benvolio to learn the true reason for Romeo's lovesickness.

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