GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Penitent , a. [F. pénitent, L. paenitens, -entis, poenitens, p. pr. of paenitere, poenitere, to cause to repent, to repent; prob. akin to poena punishment. See Pain.]
   Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt, and resolved on amendment of life.
   1913 Webster
   Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   Doing penance. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Penitent, n.
   One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.
   1913 Webster
   One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.
   1913 Webster
   One under the direction of a confessor.
   1913 Webster
   ☞ Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed in charitable acts.
   1913 Webster