penance
noun
- repentance of sins
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpɛn.əns/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”). Doublet of penitence.
- 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."”
- A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
- Any instrument of self-punishment.
- repentance
- pain; sorrow; suffering
verb
Etymology: From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”). Doublet of penitence.
- To impose penance; to punish.
“She seem'd, at once, some penanced lady elf, / Some demon mistress, or the demon's self.”