Beichtvater

confessor (priest)

noun BAYKHT-fah-ter Rare

Also means

spiritual director

Usage Note

Beichtvater is the priest who hears a person's confession and gives absolution in the Catholic tradition; it can also mean a trusted spiritual adviser more broadly. Compare Beichte (confession) and Seelsorger (pastoral carer).

Examples

"Sie suchte regelmäßig ihren Beichtvater auf, um ihr Gewissen zu erleichtern."

Natural Translation

She regularly visited her confessor to ease her conscience.

Literal Translation

She sought regularly her confessor up, to her conscience to ease.

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