penitential
English
Alternative forms
- pœnitential (archaic)
Etymology
From Medieval Latin penitentialis, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance”). Attested since the 16th century.[1]
Adjective
penitential (comparative more penitential, superlative most penitential)
- Pertaining to penance or penitence
- Sir Walter Scott
- Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse.
- Sir Walter Scott
Noun
penitential (plural penitentials)
- a book or set of rules pertaining to the Christian sacrament of penance
References
- “penitential” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001–2019.