Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-TRI'TION, n. [L. contritio.]

1. The act of grinding or rubbing to powder. – Newton.
2. Penitence; deep sorrow for sin; grief of heart for having offended an infinitely holy and benevolent God. The word is usually understood to mean genuine penitence, accompanied with a deep sense of ingratitude in the sinner, and sincere resolution to live in obedience to the divine law. Fruits of more pleasing savor, from thy seed / Sown with contrition in his heart. – Milton. Imperfect repentance is by some divines called attrition.