Pen"i*tent (?), a. [F. pénitent, L. paenitens, -entis, poenitens, p. pr. of paenitere, poenitere, to cause to repent, to repent; prob. akin to poena punishment. See Pain.] 1. Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt, and resolved on amendment of life.

Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite.

The pound he tamed, the penitent he cheered.

2. Doing penance. [Obs.] Shak.

Pen"i*tent, n. 1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.

2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.

3. One under the direction of a confessor.

&fist; Penitents is an appellation given to certain fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished by their habit, and employed in charitable acts.

• Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses; repentant; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of guilt, and resolved on amendment of life.
  
• Doing penance.
  
• One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.
  
• One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.
  
• One under the direction of a confessor.