Con*tri"tion (?), n. [F.
contrition, L. contritio.] 1.
The act of grinding or ribbing to powder; attrition;
friction; rubbing. [Obs.]
The breaking of their parts into less parts by
contrition.
Sir I. Newton.
2. The state of being contrite; deep
sorrow and repentance for sin, because sin is displeasing to God;
humble penitence; through repentance.
My future days shall be one whole
contrition.
Dryden.
Syn. -- repentance; penitence; humiliation;
compunction; self-reproach; remorse. -- Contrition,
Attrition, repentance. -- Contrition is deep
sorrow and self-condemnation, with through repetance for sin
because it is displeasing to God, and implies a feeling of love
toward God. Attrition is sorrow for sin, or imperfect
repentance produced by fear of punishment or a sense of the
baseness of sin. Repentance is a penitent renunciation of,
and turning from, sin; thorough repentance produces a new life.
Repentance is often used as synonymous with
contrition. See Compunction.
