An act of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing.
A sacrament in some Christian churches that includes contrition, confession to a priest, acceptance of punishment, and absolution. Also called reconciliation.
tr.v.
pen·anced, pen·anc·ing, pen·anc·es To impose penance upon.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin paenitentia, penitence, from paenitēns, paenitent-, penitent; see penitent.]
(pěn'əns) 