PENITENTIAL

penitential, penitentiary

(adjective) showing or constituting penance; “penitential tears”; “wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

penitential (comparative more penitential, superlative most penitential)

Pertaining to penance or penitence

Noun

penitential (plural penitentials)

a book or set of rules pertaining to the Christian sacrament of penance

Source: Wiktionary


Pen`i*ten"tial, a. Etym: [Cf. F. pénitentiel.]

Definition: Of or pertaining to penitence, or to penance; expressing penitence; of the nature of penance; as, the penitential book; penitential tears. "Penitential stripes." Cowper. Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse. Sir W. Scott.

Pen`i*ten"tial, n. (R. C. Ch.)

Definition: A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions, containing rules for the imposition of penances; -- called also penitential book.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

13 March 2025

ACCURATE

(adjective) conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy; “an accurate reproduction”; “the accounting was accurate”; “accurate measurements”; “an accurate scale”


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Coffee Trivia

Plain brewed coffee contains almost no calories, while coffee with dairy products, sugar, and other flavorings is much higher in calories. An espresso has 20 calories. A nonfat latte has 72, while a flavored one has 134.

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