Category:Penitent

Pen"i*tent, a. Etym: [f. pénitent, l. paenitens, -entis, poenitens, P.pr. of paenitere, poenitere, to cause to repent, to repent; prob. Akin to poena punishment. See pain.]

1. 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. Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. Milton. The pound he tamed, the penitent he cheered. Dryden.

2. Doing penance. [obs.] Shak.

Penitent Pen"i*tent, n.

1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his Transgressions.

2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing Penance.

3. One under the direction of a confessor.

Note: penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed In charitable acts.