—adj. regretting and wishing to atone for sins etc.; repentant.
—n.
1 a repentant sinner.
2 a person doing penance under the direction of a confessor.
3 (in pl.) various RC orders associated for mutual discipline etc.
Derivatives:
penitence n. penitently adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L paenitens f. paenitere repent
Useful english dictionary. 2012.