penitential
English
Alternative forms
- pœnitential (archaic)
Etymology
From Medieval Latin paenitentiālis, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance”). Attested since the 16th century.[1]
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/
Audio (US): (file) - Rhymes: -ɛnʃəl
Adjective
penitential (comparative more penitential, superlative most penitential)
- Pertaining to penance or penitence.
- 1819 December 20 (indicated as 1820), Walter Scott, Ivanhoe; a Romance. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), Edinburgh: […] Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co. […], →OCLC:
- Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse.
Related terms
Noun
penitential (plural penitentials)
- A book or set of rules pertaining to the Christian sacrament of penance.
References
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2025) “penitential”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.