plenary indulgence

noun

: a remission of the entire temporal punishment for sin

Examples of plenary indulgence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Roman Catholics who take part in the pilgrimage, walking it during a Jubilee Year gives them the chance to receive the plenary indulgence, which grants them the full remission of the temporal punishment for their sins. BostonGlobe.com, 5 June 2021 The ceremony, which took place at 6 p.m. Rome time (noon, 1 p.m. ET), concluded with Francis granting plenary indulgences, which are spiritual pardons, to the infected, those in quarantine, as well as family members, health care workers and more. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 27 Mar. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plenary indulgence was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near plenary indulgence

Cite this Entry

“Plenary indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plenary%20indulgence. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on plenary indulgence

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!