n.
Pronunciation: ' pe-n ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin poenitentia penitence
Date: 14th century
1 : an act of self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin
2 : a sacramental rite that is practiced in Roman, Eastern, and some Anglican churches and that consists of private confession, absolution, and a penance directed by the confessor
3 : something (as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense)