Shrove, v. i. To join in the
festivities of Shrovetide; hence, to make merry. [Obs.] J.
Fletcher.
Shrove (?), imp. of
Shrive.
Shrove Sunday, Quinguagesima Sunday. --
Shrove Tuesday, the Tuesday following
Quinguagesima Sunday, and preceding the first day of Lent, or Ash
Wednesday. It was formerly customary in England, on this day, for
the people to confess their sins to their parish priests, after which
they dined on pancakes, or fritters, and the occasion became one of
merriment. The bell rung on this day is popularly called Pancake
Bell, and the day itself Pancake Tuesday. P.
Cyc.