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Definition of Penitentiary
1. Noun. A correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes.
2. Adjective. Used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers. "Penitentiary institutions"
3. Adjective. Showing or constituting penance. "Wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words"
Definition of Penitentiary
1. a. Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
2. n. One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
Definition of Penitentiary
1. [n -RIES]
Medical Definition of Penitentiary
1. Origin: Cf. F. Penitencier. See Penitent. 1. One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance. 2. One who does penance. 3. A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed. 4. That part of a church to which penitents were admitted. 5. 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. 6. A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labour. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Penitentiary
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