penitential

English

Alternative forms

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)

  1. Pertaining to penance or penitence.

Noun

penitential (plural penitentials)

  1. A book or set of rules pertaining to the Christian sacrament of penance.

References

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2025) “penitential”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.