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.
Pen"i*tent (?), 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.] 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.