n. & adj.
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. US a reformatory prison.
2 an office in the papal court deciding questions of penance, dispensations, etc.
--adj.
1. of or concerning penance.
2 of or concerning reformatory treatment.
3 US (of an offence) making a culprit liable to a prison sentence.
Phrases and idioms:
Grand Penitentiary a cardinal presiding over the penitentiary.
Etymology: ME f. med.L paenitentiarius (adj. & n.) (as PENITENT)