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.