Main Entry: ¹pen·ance

Pronunciation: \ˈpe-nən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin poenitentia penitence

Date: 14th century

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)