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Webster 1913 Edition

Penitential

Penˊi-ten′tial

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
pénitentiel
.]
Of or pertaining to penitence, or to penance; expressing penitence; of the nature of penance;
as, the
penitential
book;
penitential
tears.
“Penitential stripes.”
Cowper.
Guilt that all the
penitential
fires of hereafter can not cleanse.
Sir W. Scott.

Penˊi-ten′tial

,
Noun.
(R. C. Ch.)
A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions, containing rules for the imposition of penances; – called also
penitential book
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Penitential

PENITEN'TIAL

,
Adj.
Proceeding from or expressing penitence or contrition of heart; as penitential sorrow or tears.

PENITEN'TIAL

,
Noun.
Among the Romanists, a book containing the rules which relate to penance and the reconciliation of penitents.

Definition 2024

penitential

penitential

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

penitential ‎(comparative more penitential, superlative most penitential)

  1. Pertaining to penance or penitence
    • Sir Walter Scott
      Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse.

Noun

penitential ‎(plural penitentials)

  1. a book or set of rules pertaining to the Christian sacrament of penance

References

  1. ↑ “penitential” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).

Etymology

From Medieval Latin penitentialis, from Latin paenitentia ‎(“repentance”). Attested since the 16th century.[1]

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