penance
nounverbattested in dialogue
- //ˈpɛn.əns//
A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
noun
- 1
A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
Quoth he, "The man hath penance done, / And penance more will do."
- 2
A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
- 3
Any instrument of self-punishment.
- 4
obsoleterepentance
- 5
obsoletepain; sorrow; suffering
Etymology
From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”). Doublet of penitence.
verb
- 1
To impose penance; to punish.
She seem'd, at once, some penanced lady elf, / Some demon mistress, or the demon's self.
Forms
- plural
- penances
- past tense
- penanced
- past participle
- penanced
- present participle
- penancing
- third person singular
- penances
penance · A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
Pence · A surname.pencil · A writing utensil with a graphite (commonly referred to as…pendant · A supporting post attached to the main rafter.