Pen"i*tent (?), a. [F. p'enitent, 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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
⇒ Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed in charitable acts.
© Webster 1913.