CONTRITION, noun [Latin]

1. The act of grinding or rubbing to powder.

2. Penitence; deep sorrow for sin; grief of heart for having offended and infinitely holy and benevolent God. The word is usually understood to mean genuine penitence, accompanied with a deep sense of ingratitude in the sinner, and sincere resolution to live in obedience to the divine law.

Fruits of more pleasing savor, from thy seed sown with contrition in his heart.

Imperfect repentance is by some divines called attrition.