'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]
Synonyms of 'penitent'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- abject,
- apologetic,
- compunctious,
- confessor,
- conscience-stricken,
- contrite,
- grief-stricken,
- humbled,
- Magdalen,
- melted,
- penitential,
- penitentiary,
- prodigal returned,
- prodigal son,
- regretful,
- remorseful,
- repentant,
- rueful,
- sad,
- sheepish,
- softened,
- sorrowful,
- sorry,
- touched