Definition/Meaning of penitent

• English - Adjective: penitent ( comparative more penitent , superlative most penitent ) Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt , and resolved on amendment of life . 1838 , Robert Burton , The Anatomy of Melancholy , B .
• English - Noun: penitent ( plural penitents ) One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his or her transgressions . One under church censure , but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance . 1837 , William Russell , The History of Modern Europe: with an Account of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire , Longman, Rees , & Co ., page 20 , Wamba , who defeated the Saracens in an attempt upon Spain ,…
• English - Alternative forms: pænitent ( archaic ) pœnitent ( archaic , nonstandard )
• English - Etymology: From Middle English , from Old French , from Latin paenitens , poenitens ( “ penitent ” ), present participle of Latin paenitere , poenitere ( “ to cause to repent , intrans . repent , regret ” ).
• English - Pronunciation: IPA (key) : /ˈpɛnɪtənt/