Definition of Penitentiary
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(n.) One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
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(n.) One who does penance.
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(n.) A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
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(n.) That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.
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(n.) 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.
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(n.) An officer in some dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
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(n.) A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labor.
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(a.) Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
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(a.) Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
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(a.) Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
Antonyms of Penitentiary
No Antonyms Found.
Homophones of Penitentiary
No Homophones Found.