Penitent \Pen"i*tent\, a. [F. p['e]nitent, L. paenitens, -entis, poenitens, p. pr. of paenitere, poenitere, to cause to repent, to repent; prob. akin to poena punishment. See Pain.]

1. 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.

Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. --Milton.

The pound he tamed, the penitent he cheered. --Dryden.

2. Doing penance. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Penitent \Pen"i*tent\, n.

1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.

2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.

3. One under the direction of a confessor.

Note: Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed in charitable acts.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)