n. & v.
--n.
1. an act of self-punishment as reparation for guilt.
2 a (in the RC and Orthodox Church) a sacrament including confession of and absolution for a sin. b a penalty imposed esp. by a priest, or undertaken voluntarily, for a sin.
--v.tr. impose a penance on.
Phrases and idioms:
do penance perform a penance.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L paenitentia (as PENITENT)