General absolution: The term for the special dispensation, granted in the war by the Pope, dispensing in special circumstances (e.g., when troops were on the eve of going into action) with the otherwise invariable rule of the Roman Communion that individual Confession must precede Absolution. It was confined to men actually about to go under fire. All others, and the survivors after an attack, had to conform to the regular rule as to Confession.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.104.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
Browse other terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z