PEN'ITENT, adjective [Latin poenitens.] Suffering pain or sorrow of heart on account of sins, crimes or offenses; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt and resolving on amendment of life.

The proud he tam'd, the penitent he cheer'd.

PEN'ITENT, noun One that repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.

1. One under church censure, but admitted to penance.

2. One under the direction of a confessor.

Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in catholic countries, distinguished by their habits and employed in charitable acts.

Order of penitents, a religious order established by one Bernard of Marseilles, about the year 1272, for the reception of reformed courtezans. The congregation of penitents at Paris, was founded with a similar view.