penitentiary

noun

1. 1

   A state or federal prison for convicted felons; (loosely) a prison.

   For quotations using this term, see Citations:penitentiary.

2. 2

   A priest in the Roman Catholic Church who administers the sacrament of penance.

3. 3

   obsoleteOne who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.

   The Race of this Warre fell vpon the losse of Vrbin it selfe, which was the Dukes vndoubted Right; Yet in this case, no Penitentiary, (though hee had enioyned him neuer so strait Penance to expiate his first Offence,) would haue counselled him to haue giuen ouer the pursuit of his Right for Vrbin; Which after he prosperously re-obtained, […]

4. 4

   obsoleteOne who does penance.

5. 5

   obsoleteA small building in a monastery, or a part of a church, where penitents confessed.

   Topics which a priest may not treat , and which bishops declare are unfit for sacramental confession even in penitentiaries, become , with either public or private approval , the subject - matter of platform speeches

6. 6

   obsoleteAn office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc.; run by a cardinal called the Grand Penitentiary who is appointed by the pope.

7. 7

   obsoleteAn officer in some dioceses since 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.

adjective

1. 1

   Of or relating to penance; penitential.

   A penitentiary tax.

2. 2

   Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.

   Penitentiary houses.

Forms

plural

penitentiaries