Penitente

noun

Pen·​i·​ten·​te
ˌpenəˈtentā,
-tē
plural Penitentes
-ās,
-ēz
: a member of a religious society of Flagellants in Spanish-American communities of the southwestern U.S. (as New Mexico) who practice self-whipping and other forms of penitential torture particularly during Holy Week

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, literally, penitent, singular of Penitentes Penitents, short for Los Hermanos Penitentes The Penitent Brothers, religious society that originated in Mexico

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Penitente

Cite this Entry

“Penitente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Penitente. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!