Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON'TRITE, a. [L. contritus, from contero; to break or bruise; con and tero, to bruise, rub or wear. See Trite.]

Literally, worn or bruised. Hence, broken-hearted for sin; deeply affected with grief and sorrow for having offended God; humble; penitent; as, a contrite sinner. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. li.