1 a tr. (also absol.) acknowledge or admit (a fault, wrongdoing, etc.). b intr. (foll. by to) admit to (confessed to having lied).
2 tr. admit reluctantly (confessed it would be difficult).
3 a tr. (also absol.) declare (one's sins) to a priest. b tr. (of a priest) hear the confession of. c refl. declare one's sins to a priest.
Etymology: ME f. OF confesser f. Rmc f. L confessus past part. of confiteri (as com-, fateri declare, avow)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.