v. 1 intr. (often foll. by of) feel deep sorrow about one's actions etc. 2 tr. (also absol.) wish one had not done, regret (one's wrong, omission, etc.); resolve not to continue (a wrongdoing etc.). 3 refl. (often foll. by of) archaic feel regret or penitence about (now I repent me). repentance n. repentant adj. repenter n.
[ ME f. OF repentir (as RE-, pentir ult. f. L paenitere) ]