First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1penance
noun pen·ance \ˈpe-nən(t)s\
: something that you do or are given to do in order to show that you are sad or sorry about doing something wrong
Full Definition of PENANCE
1
: an act of self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin
2
: a sacramental rite that is practiced in Roman, Eastern, and some Anglican churches and that consists of private confession, absolution, and a penance directed by the confessor
3
: something (as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense)
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Origin of PENANCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin poenitentia penitence
Other Christian Religious Terms
2penance
verb
pen·ancedpen·anc·ing
Definition of PENANCE
transitive verb
: to impose penance on
First Known Use of PENANCE
circa 1600
Other Christian Religious Terms
PENANCING Defined for Kids
penance
noun pen·ance \ˈpe-nəns\
Definition of PENANCE for Kids
: an act showing sorrow or regret for sin
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