■ noun
1》 punishment inflicted on oneself as an outward expression of repentance for wrongdoing.
2》 a sacrament in which a member of the Church confesses sins to a priest and is given absolution.
↘a religious observance or other duty imposed as part of this sacrament.
■ verb archaic impose a ~ on.
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. paenitentia 'repentance', from paenitere 'be sorry'.