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penance

noun

  1. repentance of sins
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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.

  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. repentance
  5. pain; sorrow; suffering

verb

Etymology: From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”). Doublet of penitence.

  1. To impose penance; to punish.

    She seem'd, at once, some penanced lady elf, / Some demon mistress, or the demon's self.