Con"trite (?; 277), a. [L. contritus bruised, p. p. of contrere to grind, bruise; con- + terere to rub, grind: cf. F. contrit See Trite.] 1. Thoroughly bruised or broken. [Obs.]

2. Broken down with grief and penitence; deeply sorrowful for sin because it is displeasing to God; humbly and thoroughly penitent.

A contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Ps. li. 17.

Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite.
Milton.

Syn. -- Penitent; repentant; humble; sorrowful.

Con"trite, n. A contrite person. Hooker.

Con"trite, v. In a contrite manner.

• Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one's own actions; apologetic.