/keuhn trish"euhn/ , n.
1. sincere penitence or remorse.
2. Theol. sorrow for and detestation of sin with a true purpose of amendment, arising from a love of God for His own perfections (perfect contrition) , or from some inferior motive, as fear of divine punishment (imperfect contrition) .
[ 1250-1300; ME contricio ( u ) n ( contrition- (s. of contritio ). See CONTRITE, -ION ]
Syn. 1. compunction, regret.