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)