Definition of penitentiary Penitentiary

/pɛˌnɪtɛˈnʧɚi/ - [penitencheree] - pen•i•ten•tia•ry

We found 23 definitions of penitentiary from 4 different sources.

What does penitentiary mean?

Noun Plural: penitentiaries
penitentiary - a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
		pen
		correctional institution a penal institution maintained by the government
Adjective
penitentiary - used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers; "penitentiary institutions"
		punitive, punitory inflicting punishment; "punitive justice"; "punitive damages"
penitentiary - showing or constituting penance; "penitential tears"; "wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words"
		penitential
		penitent, repentant feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds

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penitentiary (Noun)
A state or federal prison for convicted felons.
penitentiary (Noun)
Roman Catholic Church A priest who administers the sacrament of penance.
penitentiary (Noun)
One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
penitentiary (Noun)
One who does penance.
penitentiary (Noun)
A small building in a monastery, or a part of a church, where penitents confessed.
penitentiary (Noun)
An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc. , and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. , run by a cardinal called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.
penitentiary (Noun)
An officer in some dioceses since 1215 A. D. , vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
penitentiary (Adjective)
Of or relating to penance; penitential.
penitentiary (Adjective)
Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.

penitentiary (a.)
Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
penitentiary (a.)
Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
penitentiary (a.)
Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
penitentiary (n.)
One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
penitentiary (n.)
One who does penance.
penitentiary (n.)
A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
penitentiary (n.)
That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.
penitentiary (n.)
An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. Its chief is a cardinal, called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.
penitentiary (n.)
An officer in some dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
penitentiary (n.)
A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labor.