'Penitent' definitions:

Definition of 'penitent'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds [syn: penitent, repentant] [ant: impenitent, unremorseful, unrepentant]
noun
(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)

Definition of 'Penitent'

From: GCIDE
  • Penitent \Pen"i*tent\, a. [F. p['e]nitent, L. paenitens, -entis, poenitens, p. pr. of paenitere, poenitere, to cause to repent, to repent; prob. akin to poena punishment. See Pain.]
  • 1. Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt, and resolved on amendment of life. [1913 Webster]
  • Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Doing penance. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Penitent'

From: GCIDE
  • Penitent \Pen"i*tent\, n.
  • 1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. One under the direction of a confessor. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed in charitable acts. [1913 Webster]