penitent

Definition

Feeling pain or sorrow on account of one's sins or offenses; feeling sincere guilt.

Etymology

From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin paenitēns, poenitēns (“penitent”), present participle of paeniteō, poeniteō (“I cause to repent; I regret, repent”). Doublet of penitente.

Example Sentences

• "Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite."
• "If thou be penitent and grieved, or desirous to be so, these heinous sins shall not be laid to thy charge."
• "[…] But we that know what ’tis to faſt and pray, / Are penitent for your default to day."