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(), a.[F. pnitent, 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. Pen"itent 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. スポンサード リンク
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