Definition
Meaning of 'penitentiary'
Meaning of 'penitentiary' (Webster Dictionary)
1. Penitentiary 
[ a.]
- Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of
penance. [ a.]- Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
- Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
2. Penitentiary [ n.]
- One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance. [ n.]- One who does penance.
- A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
- That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.
- An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. Its chief is a cardinal, called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.
- An officer in some dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
- A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labor.
Meaning of 'penitentiary' (Princeton's WordNet)
1. penitentiary [ s]
[ s]Meaning (1):
- showing or constituting penance
- showing or constituting penance
Example in sentence:
- penitential tears;
- wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words
Meaning (2):
- used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
- used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
Example in sentence:
- penitentiary institutions
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