n. 1. An act of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing. 2. Penance A sacrament in some Christian churches that includes contrition, confession to a priest, acceptance of punishment, and absolution. Also called reconciliation. tr.v. pen·anced, pen·anc·ing, pen·anc·es To impose penance upon. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin paenitentia, penitence, from paenitēns, paenitent-, penitent; see PENITENT.] |
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