Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Penitential"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Penitential \Pen`i*ten"tial\, a. [Cf. F. p['e]nitentiel.]
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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Penitential \Pen`i*ten"tial\, n. (R. C. Ch.)
A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions,
containing rules for the imposition of penances; -- called
also {penitential book}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
penitential
adj 1: of or relating to penitence or penance; "the Day of
Atonement is the great penitential day of the Hebrew
calendar"
2: showing or constituting penance; "penitential tears"; "wrote
a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words"
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