penitential Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite showing or constituting penance
    penitentiary.
    • penitential tears
    • wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words

WordNet

Pen`i*ten"tial adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. pénitentiel.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to penitence, or to penance; expressing penitence; of the nature of penance; as, the penitential book; penitential tears. "Penitential stripes." Cowper.
    Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse. Sir W. Scott.
Pen`i*ten"tial noun
Definitions
  1. (R. C. Ch.) A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions, containing rules for the imposition of penances; -- called also penitential book.

Webster 1913