/ Dictionary / Index S short shrift: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: short' shrift' Pronunciation: [key] a brief time for confession or absolution given to a condemned prisoner before his or her execution. little attention or consideration in dealing with a person or matter: to give short shrift to an opponent's arguments. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. short short story shortsighted Related Content Daily Word Quiz: paradox Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language