Found 2 items, similar to penitent.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: penitent penitent adj : feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds [syn: repentant] [ant: impenitent, impenitent] penitent n : (Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)
English → English (gcide) Definition: Penitent Penitent \Pen"i*tent\, a. [F. p['e]nitent, 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. [1913 Webster] Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. --Milton. [1913 Webster] The pound he tamed, the penitent he cheered. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] 2. Doing penance. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster] Penitent \Pen"i*tent\, n. 1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions. [1913 Webster] 2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance. [1913 Webster] 3. One under the direction of a confessor. [1913 Webster] Note: Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed in charitable acts. [1913 Webster]