pen·ance (pĕn'əns)
n.

1. An act of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing.
2. A sacrament in some Christian churches that includes contrition, confession to a priest, acceptance of punishment, and absolution. Also called reconciliation.

tr.v., -anced, -anc·ing, -anc·es.
To impose penance upon.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin paenitentia, penitence, from paenitēns, paenitent-, penitent. See penitent.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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