Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Definition of penitential - 2 dictionary results

pen⋅i⋅ten⋅tial

[pen-i-ten-shuhl]
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, proceeding from, or expressive of penitence or repentance.
–noun
2. a penitent.
3. a book or code of canons relating to penance, its imposition, etc.

Origin:
1500–10; < ML pēnitēntiālis, LL paenitēntiālis. See penitent, -ial


pen⋅i⋅ten⋅tial⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To penitential
pen·i·ten·tial   (pěn'ĭ-těn'shəl)   
adj.  
  1. Of, relating to, or expressing penitence.

  2. Of or relating to penance.

n.  
  1. A book or set of church rules concerning the sacrament of penance.

  2. A penitent.

pen'i·ten'tial·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see penitential on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: