[con.trite] adj [ME contrit, fr. MF, fr. ML contritus, fr. L, pp. of conterere to grind, bruise, fr. com- + terere to rub--more at throw] (14c) 1: grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming
2: proceeding from contrition "~ sighs" -- con.trite.ly adv -- con.trite.ness n