I. ˈpe-nən(t)s 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)
II. transitive verb
( pen·anced ; pen·anc·ing )
Date: circa 1600
: to impose penance on